A debt of thanks

It is beautifully produced and gives local people news of what is happening in this town.

It is good to see the return of our ferry after so many years and I am sure we all wish the operators well.

We also read about a proposal for a replacement bandstand. Great news! My plea is that, artistically, it should be designed to fit in with its surroundings – to enhance the charm of one of the few remaining genuine seaside resorts, and not to detract from it.

I hope the planners now realise how unwise and badly advised they were to allow the “bench” and the “shelters” to be placed on our beautiful seafront.

Maybe these structures are award-winners and “architectural gems” (see Progress page 2), but they have proved to be totally impractical and unfit for any purpose except for climbing, being neither a bench on which one can sit comfortably, not a shelter, in which one can shelter.

So, please be careful and do not allow the planners to become carried away with any more outrageous designs with the bandstand.

The message by the mayor, Alan Gammon, thanks us for our support but we, the townspeople, owe him an enormous debt of gratitude for all he has done for us, his enthusiasm and willingness to listen to and to encourage the people of the town who, without fail, receive a warm welcome from him.

He has a great love of Littlehampton and we have been so fortunate to have his guiding hand to steer Littlehampton forwards during his year. Thank you, Mr mayor.

John Nicholson

Beach Crescent

Littlehampton