Farmer faces losing half hid land to sea

Mr Baird is being confronted with the prospect of up to 500 acres being

submerged if the latest plans by the Environment Agency are approved.

It wants to abandon coast protection along the Climping frontage.

It currently recycles shingle each year to the seafront from its resting place at the mouth of the River Arun where it is dragged by the tides. But the Agency says the cost can no longer be justified for the largely rural area.

Mr Baird, whose family have farmed in the village since the 1960s, could see his business ruined if the agency's proposals are confirmed.

"Losing that amount of land from the 1,100 acres I farm for cereal crops is going to have a major impact on me," he explained.

"We have had small areas '“ about half an acre '“ of saltwater flooding in recent years.

"Nothing grows on that land now."

He has a legal agreement with the Environment Agency to protect the seafront between Poole Place and the Atherington car park for ever.

But the agency is talking to him about withdrawing from the deal.

Mr Baird claimed the plans to abandon the Climping shoreline to the sea would also lead to the River Arun at Littlehampton becoming blocked by all the shingle which built up at its mouth instead of being removed.

The flooding would have severe consequences as well for the homes and businesses around low-lying Ferry Road, he added.

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