Arun does its utmost to support cycling all over the district

We have recently installed new covered secure bike racks at the Civic Centre, and provide a shower facility for staff who wish to cycle to work.

As Mr Power is also aware, because his shop has been a partner in this scheme for the past two years, we actively promote cycling by taking part in bike-to-work week activities each June.

We also have a staff cycle loan scheme in place, and a number of staff have taken advantage of this.

Staff can also claim 20p per mile for using a bicycle instead of a vehicle for business mileage.

Given the increased price of petrol and heightened awareness of both environmental issues and the health benefits of cycling, it may be helpful for us to promote awareness of this again to our staff.

We did investigate the "Cycle to Work" scheme a while back, but were advised that this would incur a large amount of administration.

At the time, due to pressure of other priorities, we were unable to give the proposal the full consideration required.

This did not amount to a refusal, as we are not in principle against employees being able to take part in such a scheme; however, it is not a high priority at present.

With regard to the no-cycling signs in Mews-brook Park '“ I can assure readers that these comments are completely incorrect.

These were large, white-painted signs on the path that were unsightly and needed either to be repainted or removed, and there was no connection with the Green Flag award.

In Arun's parks we aim to provide a safe, welcoming environment for young and old and avoid putting up signs prohibiting anything unless necessary.

In fact, children regularly use their bikes and scooters in the park.

With regard to cycling on the promenade, the current by-laws do prohibit cycling and, therefore, our inspectors are required to ask riders to dismount.

This is always done in a polite manner, and the public address system may be used when cyclists are on the move and it would not be possible to reach them on foot.

There are cycle racks in many of our car parks and the council is always open to suggestions regarding the placement of additional racks, if it can be established that there is a demand and suitable space is available.

Height barriers in car parks are placed high enough to allow access to cyclists.

The anti-social behaviour of the drinkers using the shelters on the seafront is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the council.

A meeting regarding this problem has actually taken place today and it has been agreed that a joint departmental approach, involving housing, foreshores and community safety is required, together with the police, to tackle this problem.

Ian Sumnall

chief executive

Arun District Council

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