Public quizzed over future of activity centre

The Adur Outdoor Activity Centre has closed in November 2015 after funds were withdrawn. Picture: Stephen Goodger

Adur District Council is running a public consultation on what to do with the centre, which is located in Brighton Road, Shoreham.

It has been closed since November 2015 following the decision of its trust to withdraw funding.

Using a short survey, the council will seek residents views, thoughts and suggestions about what types of activities they would like to see taking place at the centre in the future.

Marine ward councillor Joss Loader said:

“The AOAC is an invaluable community resource and it’s a great shame that it’s now been closed for nearly a year and local people are really keen for it to reopen as soon as possible.

“It’s important that the council canvasses a wide range of opinions – from people of all ages and across the entire Adur district and surrounding areas.

“Hopefully, many local people will complete the survey forms and have their say.”

Before it closed the centre was used for many purposes, including a climbing club for young children.

At the time, the chairman of the trustees, John Haffenden, told the Herald: “The trust that runs the centre is no longer able to continue because we have run out of funds to do it sustainably in the future.

“None of the trust members wanted it to happen.”

A spokesperson for the council confirmed a process is underway to select a new management team and the centre could reopen in the new year.

Councillor Emma Evans, executive member for environment for Adur District Council, said: “It is vitally important that the local community fill out this survey, so we can best reflect their needs for a vibrant, busy and well used activity centre.

“I know that the closure of the AOAC for the past year has been a huge loss to the local community, however the council are fully committed to opening it as soon as possible, with the best team in place to run it and with a programme of activities the community has asked for.”

The survey can be found on the Adur and Worthing councils website and paper copies are also available to pick up from the reception desk at the Shoreham Centre, in Pond Road.

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