‘Dilapidated’ town centre street’s revamp approved

For years, traders have bemoaned ‘dilapidated’ Montague Street’s mismatched paving slabs and temporary repairs, believing the town had been ‘sold short’ in favour of its rivals.

But that all changed last Wednesday, as Worthing County Local Committee (CLC) agreed at its meeting at Heene Community Centre, to put the proposed revamp on West Sussex County Council’s priority list.

An initial £1 million budget has been set aside, and public consultation will begin in October.

Chairman of the Town Centre Initiative Chris Spratt said: “We were relieved and delighted that the councillors appreciate how essential it is for the county council to invest money into the heart of Worthing town centre, of which has been, frankly, sold short for years.

“We look forward optimistically and enthusiastically to improvements to our town.”

Plans to develop Montague Street, which include repaving and installing new street furniture, were first tabled last April.

Geoff Lowry, head of highways and transport at the county council, made a public commitment to the work at the time.

Worthing Pier councillor Michael Cloake, said the plans would be ‘very positive’ for traders.

He added: “The brand Animal recently decided not to open up a shop in Worthing because of the dilapidated town centre.

“Montague Street has footfall of six million people per year, and is by far the biggest road in Worthing in that sense.

“It will be very positive for local businesses.”

For the full story, see the Worthing Herald, out Thursday, September 12.