Worthing to get sandy beach in South Street? (From The Argus)

Worthing to get sandy beach in South Street?

12:40pm Tuesday 19th February 2013 in News By Peter Truman

South Street, Worthing, could be transformed by introducing a sandy beach

Worthing could soon offer sun, sea and a sandy beach.

The town has always been a popular seaside resort but until now has had to boast a pebble seafront.

But tourism chiefs are now thinking about creating a temporary sandy beach to cater for those who dislike the rocks.

The temporary beach would be located in South Street, a busy bus route, during the summer holidays.

Sharon Clarke, of Worthing Town Centre Initiative, said the group had been contacted many times about the lack of somewhere sandy to enjoy the sunshine.

She said: “It’s just an idea at the moment – we have lots of people that are disappointed that Worthing doesn’t have a sandy beach and as an idea to bring people from the seafront into the town centre so they will visit the businesses.

“It is still a way to go before it becomes reality but early feedback is positive.”

She has used the group’s Facebook page to get feedback on the plans to introduce the beach.

The group posted: “We see this as a way of encouraging people to use the whole town and to bring people in to use the shops and businesses as well as the beach.

“But we wanted to get people’s views on it.”

Support for tourism

Paul Yallop, the leader of Worthing Borough Council, said the idea sounded interesting but needed further discussion.

He added: “It will obviously need a bit more meat on the bones before we commit to supporting it. I will, however, support anything that brings business and tourism to the town.

"It’s already going to be an especially busy summer in Worthing as we have the new pool opening. Any further influx of visitors would be welcomed.

“There might be concerns from businesses on the pebbled seafront,who feel their trade is being lured away to the town centre, which is why it would need proper discussion.”

Asked whether he would be keen on catching some rays on the artificial beach, Mr Yallop said: “I’m not sure we’re going to go abroad this summer so if I can take advantage of any hot weather in Worthing then yes, I’d gladly pay a visit.”

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