Still no start date for Ferry Road improvement scheme

A LONG-delayed enhancement scheme for Shoreham Beach still appears to have no start date.
SH 081214 Ferry Road, Shoreham Beach. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-140912-125802001SH 081214 Ferry Road, Shoreham Beach. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-140912-125802001
SH 081214 Ferry Road, Shoreham Beach. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-140912-125802001

Numerous setbacks have hindered progress of the Ferry Road improvement scheme.

But while the latest issue – an eleventh-hour objection from the Greene King-owned Waterside Inn – may soon be resolved, council officers leading the scheme remain unable to confirm a start date.

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Speaking at a meeting of Adur county local committee on Thursday, chairman Janet Mockridge said: “The committee recognises and shares the residents’ frustration on how long it has taken to move this project forward and I assure you that we will be doing everything in our power to address any issues that may be stopping this from happening.

“We ask that our officers work with those on the district council who are responsible for undertaking this programme of works to sort out how to move this project forward and to get the groundworks underway.”

The project will include a revamp of the Lower Beach Road car park, as well as hard landscaping of Ferry Road. The zebra crossing will also be relocated, with the approaches to the Adur Ferry Bridge improved.

The works are well-supported by the community, with residents airing their frustrations in December, 2014, by tying shoes to the bridge in protest and launching a petition.

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The improvements required a traffic regulation order (TRO), which has yet to be signed off by West Sussex County Council. The process was delayed, following the pub’s objection.

But Adur and Worthing councils head of economic growth, James Appleton, told residents at the CLC meeting that an agreement was close.

He said the councils, which are working jointly on the scheme, could have risked a legal challenge by ignoring the objection.

A spokesman for Adur and Worthing highlighted further potential delays, relating to the Adur Tidal Walls scheme.

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He said: “Adur District Council is working in partnership with West Sussex County Council to address the latest objection, relating to the loss of vehicular access for deliveries at the nearby public house. Designs for an extended lay-by are pending agreement with the owners, Greene King.

“As soon as the agreement has been reached, the traffic regulation order can be formally approved. However, we will be assessing how any implementations of the scheme would fit in with the timetable for the Tidal Walls scheme, if this is approved by the planning committee on March 14.”