Coronavirus: Worthing, Shoreham town centre roads may shut

Adur and Worthing Councils plan to close five roads in Worthing and Shoreham town centres so visitors can keep two metres apart.

Officers have been busy drawing up stencils and signs promoting one-way walking routes and two-metre spacing.

But restaurants, bars and cafes will be able to serve alcohol for takeaway, the councils said.

Worthing Borough Council regeneration chief Councillor Kevin Jenkins said the measures would help businesses get back on their feet.

Worthing Borough Council regeneration chief Councillor Kevin Jenkins

“We are working hard to help make visitors to the town centre feel comfortable coming back and thus happy to enjoy some time sampling the excellent retail and food and drink outlets we have to offer,” he said.

“This is about helping businesses get back on their feet while continuing to make everyone feel safe.”

The councils have applied to West Sussex County Council to temporarily close five roads in Worthing and Shoreham.

Worthing Borough Council has bid to close Portland Road, Montague Place and the western section of Montague Street to traffic.

Adur District Council has applied to shut the northern part of East Street and the eastern part of St Mary’s Road in Shoreham town centre.

Stencils and signs have been created promoting two-metre distancing in Worthing and Shoreham

Six food and drink outlets in the towns have been granted permission to sell alcohol for takeaway.

Another ten businesses in the area have applied for permission to sell alcohol for takeaway.

A combined Government grant of £154,000 to the two councils will pay towards the measures.

Adur District Council regeneration chief Councillor Brian Boggis said a balance had been struck to support businesses and keep shoppers safe, adding: “We want to be doing everything we can to create an environment where, on June 15, our traders can begin to rebuild their businesses but we need to do so while keeping everyone safe and well.

“These measures will achieve that balance.”

• At The Argus, we are championing the work of traders during the coronavirus pandemic as part of our #BackingSussexBusiness campaign. We are always interested to hear how the community is coming together in this crisis. If you know of a local business battling to do all it can in these tough times and/or offering support to the local community, please get in touch at laurie.churchman@theargus.co.uk and rose.lock@theargus.co.uk.