Our unspoilt seafront is a priceless asset which needs protection from developers and as past experience has shown, we cannot rely upon our council to protect it.

This was evidenced when the site of the previous restaurant site near Harbour View was simply "gifted" to the current leaseholders (Brewers Fare), despite so many objections.

Similarly, despite 350 letters of objection and just two in favour, permission was given for the erection of a 96-seat burger restaurant, where the East Beach Café now stands.

The choice between that larger, characterless burger restaurant, which was never built, and the world-class seafront restaurant we now have is a simple one for me to make.

One can like the East Beach Café or despise it, but there can be no question that it has brought international acclaim to our town and surely we should all try to build upon this.

So how better to add a measure of protection to our priceless seafront than by erecting the proposed seafront bench?

I for one would love to see a new bandstand erected but it is not a question of bandstand or seat as the money is solely for the seat and, as had been said, if Littlehampton does not get the grant the available funding will simply go to another area..

During the correspondence our town centre has been continually, and in my view unfairly, criticised.

It has a degree of charm and character and as much as anything it is a question of confidence.

The large majority of the traders are friendly and obliging and if we all make the effort to use it more we will all stand to gain.

J. Coombes,
South Terrace,
Littlehampton

NOTE: All letters must include a name and address which can be withheld by request.

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