Pagham centre delayed until 2020 at least

The warning was given at a West Sussex County Council meeting by Cllr Morwen Millson, who said there was also a possibility the project might never happen, given the 'massive cost' to the public purse, the current economic climate, and the planning hurdles to be overcome.

In the meantime, the existing centre '“ at Sidlesham '“ identified as needing improvements in 2004, was becoming increasingly run-down.

"What actions do cabinet members intend to take to reverse the current deterioration, while the future of the new project is determined?" she asked.

In a joint response to a series of questions from Cllr Millson, Cllr Deborah Urquhart, cabinet member for the environment and economy, and Cllr Louise Goldsmith, member for finance and resources, said the existing buildings were being repaired and maintained during the planning period of the new centre.

"A steering group for the centre has the maintenance of the existing buildings as part of its remit," their statement added.

"A decision on whether to go ahead with the project will be taken once a feasibility study is completed in the summer. Once that decision has been made, then a decision on the future of the existing buildings will also be taken."

The final cost would be known in the summer, but the county council had allocated a contribution of 500,000 in its capital programme.

"However, no commitments have yet been made by the other potential partners, who would be expected to provide the majority of the finance," said the joint statement.

The county council had allocated 50,000 which had been spent on installing visitor counters and employing a project officer.

Site investigation works had been financed by the South East England Development Agency.

"The conservation of Pagham Harbour has not been affected by the project," said the statement.

"Most of the time spent on it has been that of the project officer and the group manager, allowing staff at Pagham Harbour nature reserve to deal with the day-to-day running of the site and its conservation."

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