Protecting birds put before Pagham's homes

The frustrated homeowners on the vulnerable Pagham Beach estate believe the interests of birds in the nearby harbour nature reserve are being placed ahead of them. The little terns are nesting on a new shingle bank, called Church Norton Spit, which has appeared in the harbour in the past two years.

The legal protection enjoyed by the little terns has seen the harbour's manager, West Sussex County Council, put fencing around their nests to ensure their stay is uninterrupted. But this could stop shingle being taken to repair the eroding Pagham beach in front of the housing.

There are fears that storms next winter will cause flooding before a 1.5m flood protection scheme is put in place following a study being undertaken.

Six seafront properties could be totally lost to the waves in the worst situation, with the flooding extending well inland.

John Humphery, of West Front Road, said: "It would appear the birds have got more rights to the beach than we have. A lot of people are getting very angry about the situation. If it is not sorted out soon, I can see 100 people getting together and going over to Church Norton and walking straight through the island."

His wife, Lois Humphery, pointed out: "It's not just the beach that's going to be affected by flooding. All of Pagham is going to be involved. These terns are damaging all of Pagham."

Harbour Road resident Steve Paige said: "I've lived on the beach for 30 years. I don't want people standing around wringing their hands saying 'We didn't think it was going to be as bad as this' when I'm standing up to my head in floodwater."

Especially annoying to the residents was the fact the island on which the terns were nesting was newly-formed. They agreed the situation would be different if the area was a well-established section of the nature reserve.

The homeowners were among those who made their views known to Pagham Parish Council's planning committee on Tuesday.The parish council has been battling on their behalf in the past year since it became apparent the foreshore in front of West Front Road and East Front Road was rapidly eroding.

The past five years have seen 30 metres of the crest of the beach worn away. A further 3m disappeared in a violent storm last March to leave three potential weak points. The eroding beach is thought to have been caused by a change in tidal patterns. Shingle which should be placed on the foreshore by the waves has instead gone to make up Church Norton Spit. Its appearance last year led to some of it being fenced off after little terns began to use it.

Parish council chairman Cllr Ray Radmall told the residents: "I share your concerns.

What do you think? Click here to send a letter or leave a comment below.

Click here to go back to Chichester news

Click here to go back to Bognor Regis news

Click here to go back to Midhurst and Petworth news

To tell us where in the world you are reading this story click on the link below to add yourself to our readers' map.

MAP

If that area becomes established for little terns to nest, and that is happening right now, it will become more protected which will make it more difficult for the shingle to be taken.'

His frequent letters to the county council have met with the response from Kieran Stignant, customers and communities executive director, that a '˜pragmatic solution' to the understandable concerns of local residents will be sought.

n Proposals to protect thousands of Pagham homes from flooding go on show next Thursdayin St Ninians United Reformed Church, Pagham Road, between 1pm and 8pm.