THE arrival of IKEA in Sussex could be a real boon for neighbouring towns’ high streets, business bosses have predicted.

They say customers travelling to the store should be encouraged to make a day of it and sample the delights of Shoreham and Lancing to bring further economic benefits to the area.

Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce chief executive Tina Tilley called on Highways England to get involved to ensure the inevitable high demand to visit IKEA’s first store in the county does not result in huge snarl-ups along already busy parts of the A27.

It is estimated the scheme will bring £11 million worth of economic benefits to Adur but business leaders are hopeful that could be increased further.

The reaction to news that IKEA could finally be coming to Sussex as part of a £170 million development led by Brighton and Hove Albion has been largely positive.

The proposals for New Monks Farm in Lancing, revealed in yesterday’s Argus, also include 600 homes, a primary school, community centre, new commercial units at Shoreham Airport and a country park.

Argus readers described the scheme as an “outstanding development”, “good news for one and all” and “absolutely quality”, though some concerns were raised about additional traffic on the A27.

Brighton City Airport director Jonathan Candelon said the proposals looked “very positive” and he welcomed any scheme that would bring benefits to the airport.

Mrs Tilley said: “The general consensus is that it’s a great economic opportunity with a commercial entity that will bring a following with it, not just for local people but that will bring a lot of extra people into the area.

“Obviously getting in and out of the area with the traffic is a concern and we would like to see Highways England engage with this process now.

“We hope IKEA will work with us to signpost what else is in the area.

“We want people to come to IKEA in the morning but maybe stay for the rest of the day. We want people to go into Shoreham or go to Lancing Green.

“We need to look at how we would get customers from IKEA to Lancing High Street or Shoreham Beach. The Perch cafe on Lancing Green is directly south and could become a hot spot for people to go to IKEA and go on to there.”