Littlehampton’s new river wall already playing its part

Most of the new river wall, from the mouth of the Arun to beyond the A259 road bridge, has been built, although the wettest winter on record in 2013/14 is being blamed for a two or three-month delay in finishing the Environment Agency’s £14.5million project.

More than 2,000 homes and businesses will be protected against sea-level rises for 100 years.

The waterfront along Pier Road and Arun Parade is undergoing a £1million-plus enhancement to make the most of the raised east bank as a tourist feature, in a partnership between Arun District and West Sussex County councils and Littlehampton Harbour Board.

David Robinson, Environment Agency flood and coastal risk operations manager, said: “It is excellent news that the completed sections of tidal defence are already significantly reducing the risk of flooding to homes and business, particularly as we approach the time of year when we expect severe weather, intense storms and the threat of tidal flooding.”