Don't forget Bognor Regis seafront

Cllr Paul Wells said he feared the promenade's attractions were being left to decline while all the attention was on the major redevelopment sites of the Regis Centre and Hothamton.

This was shown by the loss of four concessions along the seafront after last summer when their leases from Arun District Council expired.

"We are four concessions down there now," he told Bognor Regis Town Council.

"There is no sign of the new concessions Arun is looking to put in place and we are two months into the summer already. There's only another four or five months to go.

"We've ended up with one derelict kiosk down by the pier. It is not in use. It is just stuck there.

"It's all very well talking about regeneration and we are all looking forward to seeing St Modwen's plans in June or July.

"But we have got to keep things moving along in this town. We can't stand still.

"We have got to make the town look attractive to the visitors who come down here.

"This is what I warned Arun about two years ago. I am getting more and more concerned about the situation as time goes on.

"We can't just linger and wait for regeneration. We need a strong message to be sent from this town council."

Colin Rogers, the director of services at Arun District Council, denied it had abandoned the promenade while focusing on the major redevelopment locations.

"At the start of the year the district council advertised for 'expressions of interest' for the vacant business opportunities on Bognor Regis seafront, which generated a huge amount of interest.

"We have now interviewed potential candidates and hope to be able to offer residents and visitors a full range of concessions as soon as possible.

"The council is working hard to get the right balance of quality facilities on the seafront, with the aim of offering a service throughout the year, not just during the summer holiday season, making Bognor a desirable place for both visitors and residents."