Tidal wall will bring a tourist attraction to Littlehampton

At a meeting of Arun District Council’s cabinet on Monday (September 19), councillors agreed to spend up to £1m enhancing the Environment Agency’s £13m flood defences scheme on the lower East Bank of the River Arun, near Arun Parade and Pier Road, work on which is due to start in autumn 2012.

Roger Elkins, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for housing, community care and coast protection, welcomed the move.

He said: “In these difficult times, £1m is a considerable amount of money to pledge.

“It shows our commitment to the regeneration of Littlehampton and realising the visions set out in our waterfront strategy.

“This is a one-off opportunity to deliver a great scheme for Littlehampton that protects properties and will add to the regeneration of the town and increase tourism.”

The council hopes the money will be able to provide better pedestrian connections to the river, reduce traffic in the town centre, and create more space for residents and tourists to enjoy the waterfront.

Although the council has allocated the sum, a spokeswoman said it will continue to seek funding from alternative sources, to reduce the financial impact on the district.

She added that the council was also calling for new traffic layouts for Pier Road and Arun Parade, to create a pedestrianised area.