Calls for closure of 'dangerous' South Bersted alley

MP Nick Gibb has joined residents in demanding action at a packed community meeting with police, fire services and county councillors, where home-owners renewed their plea for the alley adjoining Orchard Way at the centre of the to be closed.

Concerned mother Kim Hickmore is due to present the county council with a petition backed by dozens of her neighbours, stressing the need for it to be dealt with immediately.

She told the Observer the attacks had left her neighbours, many of whom have young families, 'afraid in their own homes' as sheds and garden fences have been burned down.

Mrs Hickmore said: "We are going to keep on fighting to get this closed as we could not believe there had been two more fires started in the past week which left trees in flames.

"If I hadn't called 999, I don't know what would have happened. We were just left in disbelief as there were kids standing around laughing'“ one of them asked 'have you got a light'."

According to residents, the little-used and badly-overgrown alley has become a haven for youths smoking drugs and damaging the property of neighbouring allotment holders.

Several teenagers were seen running from the scene of the most serious arson two weeks ago and police are continuing to investigate potential leads.

Bognor MP Nick Gibb spoke out against the attacks and offered his backing to residents' concerns.

"This spate of arson attacks is unacceptable," he said. "I will work with local residents and the police to ensure the relevant action is taken to put a stop to this."

Allotment holders have also expressed fears for their safety as youths targeted greenhouses adjoining the alleyway.

One resident, Roger Lintott, claimed there could be serious injury or death caused by the assortment of rusty metal hooks and bolts which are being thrown at the greenhouses.

West Sussex county councillor Francis Oppler shared residents' concerns and said he would take forward the request to have the alley shut. He also noted a vote to have the alley cleaned up and temporarily shut until its formal closure might be achieved.

Roger Nash, chairman of Bognor Neighbourhood Watch, said: "This is a very serious situation and we are appalled by these arson incidents.

"I've a young tenant with a child in the property I own in Orchard Way who are at risk because of this."

Another resident, Alan Hickmore, believed urgent action on the alleyway was required.

He said: "My grandchildren were at home during one of the arsons and they are now completely terrified and cower inside if they hear a police siren or fire engine after seeing what happened here."