Mind the gap in Shoreham broadwalk (From The Argus)
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Mind the gap in Shoreham broadwalk
4:20pm Tuesday 5th February 2013 in News By Ben Leo, reporter
The gap in the Shoreham bean boardwalk
A council-funded beach boardwalk, left with a gaping hole following a dispute with neighbours, could be forced to circumvent the disputed land.
The 400-metre boardwalk on Shoreham Beach, which runs between Ferry Road and Shingle Road, has had a gap of around 20 meters in the middle since it was built in autumn 2011.
The gap causes problems for parents with buggies and wheelchair users who can’t manoeuvre across the pebbled beach to the other side.
Adur District Council spent more than £100,000 on the boardwalk, but didn’t realise some of the route was owned by a resident of neighbouring Old Fort Road.
After a legal battle last year, the Land Registry found in favour of the Old Fort Road resident and ruled the stretch wasn’t owned by Adur District Council or West Sussex County Council.
Councillor Neil Parkin, leader of Adur District Council, described the situation as “disappointing” but assured the council was working towards a resolution.
'Sad situation'
He said: “We are trying to negotiate and find a resolution. It’s a particularly sad situation for disabled people who want to enjoy the pleasures of the seafront but aren’t able to.
“We’ve looked at alternatives, including going around the gap, but there are problems with safety as it would be closer to the shoreline.”
Last weekend a petition called ‘Fill that Gap’ was launched by The Friends of Shoreham Beach, calling for work to be completed as soon as possible.
Joy Daintree, Chairwoman of the Friends of Shoreham Beach, said: “The boardwalk will be so nice if and when it’s finished.
“It will be great during summer and good for people who like to get outside.
“We’re hoping as many people as possible will sign the petition and show their support, because right now it ruins the whole route.”
Copies of the petition are available at the Post Office, the Bakery 2 and Beach Café, the Waterside Inn, the Aquamarine bar and the Church of the Good Shepherd.
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Comments(8)
StvSeagulls
says...
4:39pm Tue 5 Feb 13
Hove Actually
says...
4:59pm Tue 5 Feb 13
If this person doesn't want a walkway built across there land so be it, it is not the remit of the council or any other do gooders to start to dictate to this person what should or should not happen.
Get over it...literary
imnotpc
says...
6:12pm Tue 5 Feb 13
deedles
says...
7:25pm Tue 5 Feb 13
It did belong to Lancing and the shoreline belongs to the sovereign.
The MOD took it over in 1940 and gave everyone 48 hours to get out.I don't think the Home Guard would have left a bungalow on the beach for the Germans to hide in!
kopjules
says...
7:36pm Tue 5 Feb 13
imnotpc wrote:well said........w
Its absolutely marvelous to see the council lose this one,they are so used to bullying people but not this time lol.If it was my land i'd have told them to f**k right off out of it as well bloody dictators hahahahaha
tamwilks1
says...
2:38am Wed 6 Feb 13
do they really have to use the length of this track?
"PETTY" works both ways.....
derekhunt
says...
8:43am Wed 6 Feb 13
tamwilks1 wrote:If they want access to the beach then yes they do have to use it
ok it is sad at the end of the day and may seem a little petty.......but the same goes for pushchairs and wheelchairs......... do they really have to use the length of this track? "PETTY" works both ways.....
StvSeagulls says...
4:38pm Tue 5 Feb 13