Not just an exhibition

The exhibition opened last Saturday and runs until Saturday and society publicity officer Tony Malone, pictured left, told the Herald there had been an encouraging response. Many people had interrupted their library business to visit the exhibition to discuss matters.

Mr Malone said: "This exhibition is a wake-up call to Worthing. Unless the people of our town take an interest in it, realise they can influence decisions and do voice their concerns, I'm sorry to say that I am sure more of our heritage will continue to be demolished and we will be left with... what?"

He said the society was not in the business of opposing all development, but it did want to encourage the conservation of those buildings and spaces that were part of Worthing's history and heritage.

"Ideally, we want to work with, rather than against, the town's planners. I know that, unfortunately, there has to be an ongoing balancing act between financial gain and conservation.

"So it is important that someone with 'no financial act to grind' speaks up on behalf of conservation," he said.

Mr Malone added that he was encouraged by, and appreciated, the support he had received for the exhibition in terms of photographic material from the borough council and the museum and art gallery.

Members of the public have the opportunity to join the society when visiting the exhibition.