Funding for Lancing footbridge improvements agreed

The bridge runs from Brighton Road to the seafront promenade and cycle path and is in poor condition, with steps at one end and a steep slope making it impossible for wheelchair users to cross.

Plans to widen the bridge and reduce the gradient have been in the pipeline since last year but budget concerns have caused delays.

At a meeting of the Adur and Worthing joint strategic committee on Tuesday (June 9), members were told the work would cost £480,000.

The county council already has £385,000 ready for the project with Adur to pay the remaining £103,773.

The  money will be taken from S106 funds – contributions paid by developers to improve infrastructure in the areas in which they build – that were earmarked for transport improvement schemes.

Councillors voted unanimously to release the money.

David Simmons (Con, Hillside) said the bridge had not previously complied with the Disability Discrimination Act.

Looking at the improvement plans, he added: “I’m pleased to see they’ve managed to change the approach to the bridge and the base that it’s on and it’s now compliant.

“It’s something that’s been needed for some time and I look forward to seeing it in place.”

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