Littlehampton chip shop owner fears for the future due to lockdown road closure

On Tuesday, August 4, Arun District Council announced Pier Road in Littlehampton would shut between South Terrace and Clifton Road.

It said pedestrians were having to walk in the road around socially distanced queues for shops, cafés and restaurants in order to keep safely apart themselves.

The rules apply to all vehicles, including bicycles, 24 hours a day and will last until the end of September.

Chris Steinmore has run Fred’s fish and chip shop for more than 20 years.

He said the decision was ‘frustrating’: “It is one of the best summers we have had for years, and we had to shut down for eight weeks due to the lockdown.

“With restrictions, we are running at 50 per cent capacity – but we were clawing it back due to the weather. Then, all of a sudden, without consulting us, this happens.”

Chris said that in previous instances when the road has been closed, such as when the Environment Agency improved flood defences, trade was down by between a quarter and a half in good weather, and as much as 90 per cent down in the rain.

He added: “It is all great on a lovely, sunny day, but if after September, out of season, the road is still shut then we are finished because we totally and utterly rely on passing trade.”

His wife Sophie feared the closure could be made permanent without proper consultation.

The closure was also impacting deliveries, with suppliers having to use a gravel path riddled with potholes behind the shop.

An Arun spokesman said: “The crowding in Pier Road had become unmanageable and action needed to be taken in the interests of public safety.

“The council has received support for the closure, both from the public and other businesses along Pier Road.

“This is a temporary closure and there are no plans to close Pier Road permanently at the current time.

“The council will continue to review the situation, with the safety of the public as our primary concern.

“Banners and planters will be put in place this week and we will continue to promote the fact that while this stretch of Pier Road it may be closed to traffic, the traders are very much open for business.”

At the time the closure was announced, James Walsh, leader of Arun District Council, said: “The decision to close this part of Pier Road has been subject to much consideration and discussion by West Sussex County Council, Littlehampton Town Council and Arun District Council.

“Making this area as safe as we can for residents and visitors is vital.

“We know that this change to the flow of traffic causes its own issues and we are asking for patience and co-operation in order that we provide a friendly and pleasant environment for people to visit.”