What the Rec's going on?

Dave Pond, a trustee of the 3rd Shoreham Sea Scouts, has written to Adur District Council chairman Neil Parkin, expressing his concerns.

Earlier this year, the district council granted planning permission for Adur Athletic Football Club to put seven football pitches and a two-storey licensed clubhouse on the recreation ground.

Mr Pond has backed Adur councillor Liza McKinney, who last week spoke out against the proposed location of the clubhouse, which could obliterate a picnic and play area.

He said: "I strongly object to the proposed location of this building, between the children's playground and the Sea Scout headquarters, which would mean the loss of a family, riverside play and picnic area, with its views of the Downs and the River Adur."

Mr Pond added the sale of alcohol at the planned clubhouse was also a concern, as it could take place on a balcony overlooking the grassed compound of the Sea Scout headquarters, just yards away.

He said: "Young boys and girls camp under canvas overnight and prepare dinghies and canoes for sailing on the river during weekends throughout the year. If the football club facilities were to be let to non-Adur Athletic members, then I am concerned about the level of control that might be in place at these times, with youngsters being so close."

Mr Pond explained that while the Sea Scout building and nearby Adur Outdoor Activities Centre needed to be on the banks of the river for waterborne activities, a football clubhouse did not need to be.

"I would suggest that the building ought to be sited on the western boundary of the memorial ground, with a new access road from the A259 just east of the Dogs Trust premises leading to a private parking area for the club, away from the general public car parks," he said.

Mrs McKinney agreed the proposed location was unsuitable. She said: "It is the silliest place to put a clubhouse. It is just not suitable in an area where you have got young people. If they had it over the other side, then the only people it would disturb would be the dogs."

Mr Pond and Mrs McKinney said they were not against football being played on the site, particularly junior football, but urged councillors to review the situation.

Adur Athletic Football Club said the project would provide a much-needed facility for the district and would be available to other sporting organisations, as well as offering the possibility for running community-based courses.