Delays to Ferry Road scheme a '˜disgrace' say residents

Delays to proposals to enhance Shoreham's Ferry Road and Lower Beach Car Park have been labelled a '˜disgrace' by residents.
SH 081214 Ferry Road, Shoreham Beach. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-140912-125802001SH 081214 Ferry Road, Shoreham Beach. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-140912-125802001
SH 081214 Ferry Road, Shoreham Beach. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-140912-125802001

Following the opening of the new Adur Ferry Bridge in 2013 Adur District Council (ADC) has been progressing a scheme to improve the public realm and car park on the southern side of the river.

But at a West Sussex County Council Adur County Local Committee meeting last week (Thursday May 19), Shoreham residents David Featherstone and Dave Bradshaw criticised delays.

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Mr Featherstone suggested the two authorities were ‘blaming each other’ for delays, and added: “The bridge was completed in 2013 and still nothing has been done.

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Opening of the Adur Ferry Bridge on Wednesday. ENGSUS00120131113164131S47527H13

Opening of the Adur Ferry Bridge on Wednesday. ENGSUS00120131113164131
S47527H13 Opening of the Adur Ferry Bridge on Wednesday. ENGSUS00120131113164131

“Twice a day I go past it and I can see what it’s like, it’s a mess. It’s a disgrace.”

Lionel Parsons (UKIP, Sompting and North Lancing) said that the landlord of the Waterside Inn pub had been approached for advice, but the pub owner had its own proposals and wishes and this ‘put a spanner in the works’.

Mick Clark (UKIP, Saltings) explained there had been complex issues involving reaching an agreement with the owners of the pub for a zebra crossing, which would involve closing off one of the entrances to the pub, drainage, and a project manager leaving.

He added: “It’s been an absolute pig’s ear.”

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Opening of the Adur Ferry Bridge on Wednesday. ENGSUS00120131113164107S47525H13

Opening of the Adur Ferry Bridge on Wednesday. ENGSUS00120131113164107
S47525H13 Opening of the Adur Ferry Bridge on Wednesday. ENGSUS00120131113164107
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Janet Mockridge (Con, Southwick), chair of the CLC, explained that planning came under Adur DC and had ‘nothing at all to do with the county council’.

But a spokesman for Arun District Council said: “The council is keen to start the Ferry Road enhancement works in the autumn. We are currently awaiting West Sussex County Council to release the Traffic Regulation Order, pending agreement with Greene King.

“The council is also in discussion with the contractors appointed by the Environment Agency regarding the Adur Tidal Walls project, due to start work this summer.

“For these reasons, we cannot offer a definitive start date. However, we will issue an update when we have further information from our partner organisations.”

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