War memorial has not been forgotten

I am a long-standing resident of Pharos Quay and also a director of our management company, Pharos Quay Limited. We "discovered" the memorial shortly after our development was completed. It is attached to the boundary wall on the Pharos Quay side and appears to have been rescued at some stage, possibly by the developers, as the brickwork surrounding it is a lot newer than the wall itself.

We have, from time to time, trimmed the bushes and plants away from the memorial so that its presence will not be forgotten. I believe the names on the stone relate to employees from Dando, previous owners of the site, who died during the First World War. Perhaps others will confirm this.

With regards to the future of the memorial, there will be many differing views. In its current location, it is at least in context geographically. Should it ever be moved, this would all too easily be lost.

At Pharos Quay we consider ourselves to be custodians of this piece of local history and agree with councillor Buckland that it must not be lost. At present, it is very firmly attached to the boundary wall and protected in part from the weather by the brick surround and its location.

I have spoken to the Steam Packet developer and have been assured that there are no plans to touch the boundary wall. Indeed, I would have expected to be contacted long ago if this was the case.

I have been assured that when the walls between the Steam Packet and River Road and Terminus Road are removed, suitable supporting piers will be put in place for the boundary wall. Perhaps this could be made a condition should planning approval be given?

I have also made the developer aware of the location of the memorial and asked him to ensure no harm comes to it during the development.

Should things change, then we may have to think again as to the best way to preserve the memorial.

Graeme Mansfield

Pharos Quay

Littlehampton

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