Littlehampton Town council makes recommendation on clock tower’s future

The council held an extraordinary full council meeting online on Thursday, June 4, to discuss and make recommendations on Arun District Council’s proposals for the regeneration project.

The multi-million pound scheme, funded by the Coastal Community Fund, the Local Growth Fund, and the town and district councils, was set to start this summer but the Covid-19 outbreak brought delays.

Discussions have been held about what the scheme should include so work can begin as soon as possible, so the grant money is not lost.

Town councillors supported a scheme that considered the needs of all ages and disabled people.

They wanted benches and outdoor landscaping to be made of ‘natural materials that are robust and require minimal maintenance and upkeep’ and complemented the seaside.

The recommendations will be considered by Arun, which has the final say.

Chairman of the town council’s policy and finance committee, Dr James Walsh, said: “It is not an easy time for retailers at the moment but this work will contribute to the reviving of the High Street.”

The town mayor, councillor David Chace, chaired the meeting. He said: “I am delighted that the scheme is going ahead and that works are due to start in January. It will give our residents something exciting to look forward to after all the hardship experienced recently.”