The latest proposals to hold back the sea will be contained in the new River Arun to Pagham coastal defence strategy.

The proposed strategy is likely to be published by the Environment Agency this November for public consultation. It will cover a 20-year period.

Work began on the strategy in 2000 but was halted because further work was required on the preferred options to meet government guidance.

This guidance then changed to require even more work. No funding was available to enable this to take place. However, the agency has identified a funding method which will enable a proposed strategy to be completed at a cost of £400,000.

But it requires £50,000 from Arun District Council to show its support for the final stages.

Councillors agreed on Mondayto hand over the money. They will receive 95 per cent of it back from the Environment Agency very quickly. The rest will follow when the strategy is completed in 2009 after the consultation.

Colin Rogers, Arun's services director, said at the council's cabinet meeting: "The strategy will be for a 20 year period. The strategy is likely to make recommendations for works on the Felpham and Middleton frontages. So, it is an important piece of work."

Arun deputy leader Cllr Roger Elkins said: "Clearly, the work needs to be done. We need to move forward now we have got the funding agreement from the Environment Agency.

"Retaining some of the money is normal in contracts such as this."



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