VOTE: How £14million could change the face of Littlehampton

Next year, the Environment Agency’s (EA) £13million flood defences project, on the town’s East Bank, will start, and the first pictures of what a £1million “enhancement scheme” could do for Pier Road and Arun Parade have been released.

Funded by Arun District Council and designed by LDA Designs, the company behind London’s Olympic Park, the scheme will go out to public consultation next week.

Roger Elkins, deputy leader of Arun, and cabinet member for housing, community care and coast protection, said: “As part of the proposals, consultants have considered how best to maintain the visual and physical connection with the river and preserve the coastal identity of Littlehampton.

“These are exciting plans, and we are encouraging people to come along and learn more and give their views on the options.”

As part of the EA work, due to start in the autumn, a new flood wall will be built, and the promenade behind raised by up to 1.5 metres.

The footpath in Pier Road will be widened to form an open pedestrian walkway, which, it is hoped, will strengthen the East Bank as a key pedestrian route between the town and beach.