Mystery of Worthing air raid shelters solved

They are trying to trace the exact location of air raid shelters in the grounds of Northbrook College, Broadwater Road, Worthing.

The college wants to demolish four single-storey mobile huts, a garage and greenhouse, to make way for new teaching facilities for 40 to 60 “challenging” pupils.

But Paul Spedding, the borough council’s executive head of health, housing and community safety, said a report to the planning committee mentioned a line of air raid shelters located along the western boundary.

He said: “An investigation has not determined their location.

“It is important to know whether they are located within the proposed development site and the type of material they have been infilled with.”

Mr Spedding said more soil tests searching for traces of dangerous chemicals needed to be carried out.

A photograph featured in my recently-published book, Worthing at War: The Diary of CF Harriss, shows the position of the shelters on the site, which was then occupied by Worthing High School for Boys.

An anti-aircraft gun was stationed nearby as most of the playing field was turned into vegetable allotments to supplement rationing.

The college’s plans, being considered by councillors yesterday (Wednesday), were recommended for approval.