COUNTY NEWS: Ideas welcomed for Shoreham Airshow crash memorial

A minute's silence was held on the Old Toll Bridge for the victim's of the airshow crash

Adur District Council, West Sussex County Council and MP Tim Loughton are working with the community to create a lasting, permanent memorial to the tragic events at the 2015 Shoreham Airshow.

While the Old Toll Bridge has proved a focal point for remembrances in recent months, many agree that it is not the perfect site for a lasting space of quiet reflection.

Instead, a suggestion that has been gathering support in the community is the idea of a memorial walk along the river.

In details released this afternoon, Adur District Council said: “Over the past few weeks, an idea to create a Memorial Walk in Shoreham has started to find favour throughout the community. No formal decisions have been taken as yet, however it’s appropriate to share it now, reflecting the way that the community is bringing ideas together, and marking the beginning of a move towards the creation of a fitting, lasting, tribute to the events of August 22.

“It has been suggested that a new memorial, close to both the river and the proposed site for a new slipway, could form the start and finish of a beautiful walk between the Recreation Ground and Old Toll Bridge.

“This idea potentially also incorporates the temporary memorial board and archway erected by the county council in a meaningful way, and could create a multitude of spaces and perspectives for reflection along the walk’s length.

“The suggestion is that the variety of different spaces along the route could provide quiet areas for solemn reflection, balancing more populated spaces which celebrate the sense of community that’s been so evident throughout Shoreham and the surrounding communities in the aftermath of the tragedy.”

However, no decision has been made yet, and residents and members of the community are being asked to provide feedback and ideas as part of an open consultation process.

In order to progress the creation of the permanent memorial sensitively and within an appropriate timescale, the initial collation of ideas will happen, with the involvement of the families, throughout December.

It is anticipated that the shortlist will be created early in January, with the initial feasibility/practicality assessments being completed within the next few weeks (by mid-February).

With this timescale in place, it is anticipated that community feedback will be invited during March, with a final decision being made as swiftly after this as possible.

Eleven men lost their lives during the Shoreham Airshow this summer, when a Hawker Hunter jet crashed onto the A27 at Lancing.

More information about the progress of the scheme, and how to share ideas, can be found at www.ShorehamRemembers.org

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