Images show results of controversial Worthing crossing move

The crossing, which was previously located outside Marks and Spencer on Marine Parade in Worthing, is being moved to the opposite side of the road's junction with Montague Place as part of the Montague Gardens transformation project.

Worthing Borough Council said previously that the crossing was being moved to create "one flat route to the sea from the town centre", which would allow people to "walk directly through Liverpool Gardens and Montague Gardens to the seafront without having to divert right to cross the road at Marine Parade".

But the relocation sparked a backlash, with residents labelling it "ridiculous" and a "waste of money".

The original crossing is still in use, with the new crossing visible in the background (Image: Eddie Mitchell)

Annabel Hilson was one of them. She said: "Bit of a waste of money, moving an existing crossing."

Now, images from the site show the results of the change.

Pictures show the original crossing still in action - with the new crossing installed, yet not in operation, a number of metres away. 

The extent of the movement can also be seen from aerial drone footage.

It was previously announced in January that work to move the crossing to the other side of the junction would take nine weeks. 

The new traffic signals have now been installed and are ready to be commissioned, according to the council.

The new crossing, with the old crossing visible in the background (Image: Eddie Mitchell)

The work is part of a wider £3 million transformation of Montague Place into a new green space known as Montague Gardens.

A play area will be installed as part of the project, and some suggested the movement of the crossing could improve safety for children.

However others said the money could have been better utilised elsewhere, with one resident previously saying: "The issue is the cost versus the gain. Is it really too much to deviate by a few yards and use the original crossing?"

A report for the council's joint strategic committee meeting on March 6 said that work on the development was progressing well, and the overall project was due to be completed by summer this year.

The scheme is being funded by £2.7m from the council’s Community Infrastructure Levy strategic fund and £400,000 of pooled business rates agreed with West Sussex County Council.