Campaign group release artist's impression of Shoreham slipway

The pictures, produced by Mike Whelan of Shoreham Beach, were commissioned by the Shoreham Slipways Group, which is driving a campaign to install a slipway at Humphrey’s Gap, off Brighton Road.

An online petition has amassed more than 350 signatures in support of the idea.

Brendan Whelan, chairman of the Shoreham Slipways Group, said he was delighted with the ‘excellent images’, which he said were ‘incredibly accurate’.

“It’s quite an achievement,” he said.

Mr Whelan said he had seen boat activity on the River Adur decline over the 45 years he has lived in Shoreham.

He wants to see improved access for boats in the area.

“Our view is that Humphrey’s Gap is a good location for a slipway,” he said, citing good access to the road, some parking already nearby and more on the way, as his reasons.

“There is no technical reason why it can’t be done,” he added.

He believes a slipway would benefit the area economically, as people who came to launch their boats would then spend money in the area, and said it would ‘definitely be well-used’.

The site lies within the former Minelco site, which is destined for more than 400 homes by owners Southern Housing Group as part of their Free Wharf generation scheme.

Mr Whelan said he plans to send the company copies of the artist’s impression and hopes to meet with representatives to discuss the idea.

Tim Loughton, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, is ‘very supportive’ of the idea, according to Mr Whelan.

When asked about the idea of a slipway at Humphrey’s Gap, Spencer Neal, of Southern Housing Group, said the company’s plans for Free Wharf’s regeneration already included ‘moorings and facilities for visiting boats, as well as riverside walkways and an extensive public realm’.

He said the idea of a slipway at Humphrey’s Gap was being ‘seriously considered’ by the technical design team.

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