Campaign to improve 'worst seaside town' Bognor Regis

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A campaign has been launched to help improve a town in the wake of it ranking as the worst seaside town in Britain in a recent survey.

Alison Griffiths, MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, has launched the "29 for ’29" campaign, which aims to gather ideas for practical improvements that can be championed in the lead up to Bognor’s royal centenary in 2029.

The campaign comes after a recent Which? survey placed Bognor at the bottom of its rankings of British seaside towns for the second year running. 

The survey ranked 135 coastal destinations based on nearly 12,000 visits by its panel members and gave Bognor a destination score of just 41 per cent.

Ms Griffiths said: "I love Bognor Regis, and I do not believe the recent headlines capture the town that residents, businesses and regular visitors know.

"There is a great deal here that deserves to be celebrated.

"There are also places where practical improvements are needed, and we should be confident enough to say so.

"29 for ’29 will put local people in charge of identifying the priorities I should champion as we approach the centenary.

"I want residents to tell me about the missing bench, the poorly lit street, the damaged sign, the inaccessible public space, or the simple idea that has been overlooked.

"These are the changes that can make a real difference to how a town looks and feels."

Alison Griffiths has said she does not believe the recent headlines capture Bognor (Image: Alison Griffiths MP)

Residents are being encouraged to suggest small, achievable projects that could realistically be delivered over the next three years.

Examples might include additional bins and seating, improved lighting, new signage, planting, accessibility improvements, safer crossings, repaired street furniture, cleaner public spaces, play equipment, or improvements to the seafront and town centre.

Ms Griffiths said: "I cannot promise that every item will be delivered in full by July 2029, because many of the decisions and resources will rest with other organisations.

"What I can promise is that the priorities chosen by residents will guide where I focus my activity for Bognor Regis ahead of the centenary, and that I will report openly on the progress we make."

Nominations for the campaign will close on August 31.

Suggestions will then be reviewed and checked against the campaign’s criteria before being put to a public vote in September.

The final 29 ambitions will be announced on Ms Griffiths’ website on October 1.

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