Call for Littlehampton’s clock tower to stay put

DM1932277a.jpg. Lib Dems calling for clock tower outside Sainsbury's to stay put if Government funding is secured for regeneration of Littlehampton town centre. From left, David Chace, Dr James Walsh, Tracey Baker, Billy Blanchard-Cooper and Chris Blanchard-Cooper. Photo by Derek Martin Photography. SUS-190319-163429008

Arun District Council has bid for £2.5million from the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund (CCF), with a decision due this spring.

The project would see public realm improvements in the High Street area to improve connectivity between the town, riverside and seafront as well as creating safer and more intuitive pedestrian routes.

A previous bid to the CCF for £4.9million was rejected by the Government back in early 2017.

James Walsh (LDem, Beach) called for the clock tower outside Sainsbury’s to stay put if the bid is successful and work does go ahead.

He said a previous consultation on proposals had shown residents were against its removal although it could be moved a foot or two either way to improve sight lines.

He asked for assurances from Arun District Council’s leader that these points would be ‘taken into account and acted upon’ at a meeting last Wednesday (March 14).

Dr Walsh also pointed out that the clock tower belongs to the town council.

Leader Gill Brown said she noted the concerns and they would be taken on board. If the funding bid is successful they would ‘talk about what happens afterwards’.