Green Space Saved

Members of the Water Lane Action Group had faced the threat of building work on their much-loved recreation area by SureStart a government-funded scheme which helps young children in deprived areas.

But Arun District Council leader Norman Dingemans has now told the action group that SureStart is no longer planning to build on the green space.

"I can assure you that no building will go on this land," he added.

Former Littlehampton town councillor and action group member David Sax contacted Mr Dingemans on behalf of the group and put its case to him.

Mr Dingemans, in turn, wrote to SureStart and received a statement, saying they no longer wished to build on Water Lane.

Mr Sax said: "We wish SureStart well. We have no argument at all with them as an organisation.

"We hope they now make wise choices as to where they put their premises."

Alternative sites are now being looked into with a view to finding a permanent location for SureStart.

SureStart finance and monitoring officer Richard Shrimpton explained: "We are looking at various other options at the moment, one of which is the Wickbourne Chapel, but, of course, nothing is definite until there has been a public consultation.

"Water Lane had been an option, but no one wants to lose green space."

Over the summer, the campaign highlighted advance plans for a large building and car park on the green space.

Action group chairman Donna Rogers said: "I'm so relieved. None of us wanted this building and local families need a safe place for our children to play." Dave Sax thanked Mr Dingemans and ward councillors Mike Northeast and Tony Squires for their support.

"As an action group, we're really grateful to Mr Dingemans, as leader of Arun District Council.

"Also, our local ward councillors Tony Squires and Mike Northeast have been most supportive.

"They knew that local people were 100 per cent against such a plan and have been of great assistance to us."