Rustington couple tell of Sainsbury’s demolition ‘nightmare’

Tony and Pamela Bastable, of Dinsdale Field, Rustington, claim they have had their lives turned upside for several weeks as the work to demolish the ageing Sainsbury’s superstore, at the New Road Retail Park, got underway.

The great-grandparents, who have lived in their mobile home for 13 years, say they have been fighting a constant battle to keep their property clear of dust from the rubble of the levelled store, dust which they say is having a detrimental impact on their health.

However, Sainsbury’s has claimed that it has gone “above and beyond” in trying to minimise the disruption to the residents in and around Dinsdale Field, adding that its contractors have installed a 5.2m high fence in an effort to block potential debris.

‘Living hell’

Pamela, 63, said: “It’s been an absolute living hell. That’s how I would describe it, a living hell. We feel like prisoners in our own home. I never dreamt that it could be as bad as what it is. The dust is horrible.”

Pam said the couple needed to keep all their windows closed and curtains drawn to limit their exposure to the particles, adding that they had been unable to use their garden or have their two great-grandchildren or youngest grandchildren visit them, as they feared the dust could affect the children’s health.

“I’ve gone to the doctors about the dust because it makes you feel horrible,” added Pam. “It can’t be good to be breathing all that in.”

Husband Tony, 67, a retired roofer, said the movement of the heavy goods vehicles and the machinery used to break up the rubble had caused cracks to appear in the walls of the mobile home. “Sainsbury’s paid for a surveyor to look at the damage, which we appreciate, but all this could have been avoided,” he said.

Exceeded the ‘obligatory requirements’

A Sainsbury’s spokeswoman said every possible step had been taken to limit any disruption. “We have met with our neighbours to discuss their concerns and have consequently implemented a number of measures that exceed the obligatory requirements to help stop dust spreading.

“These include the installation of a 5.2m high screen, regularly hosing down the site and the use of road sweepers throughout the site. We have also offered car and window washes to our immediate neighbours in order to clean up any dust that escapes the site, which have been well received by the majority of our neighbours.

“Demolition works are almost always the most disruptive part of construction. This phase of works is nearly complete and we would like to thank residents for their patience.”

A spokeswoman for Arun District Council said environmental heath officers had been notified about concerns and were in close contact with contractors to try to reduce future disruption.

A new, much larger Sainsbury’s is set to open on the site later this year.