Sandy beaches are setto make a comeback

The return of sand to the foreshore has been a frequent demand of residents to boost the town's fortunes since the arrival of tonnes of shingle in the seventies onwards as a coast protection measure buried the golden grains.

The re-appearance of at least a portion of the golden seafront famed from the tourism heyday of Bognor Regis is being considered for a 'pocket beach' as part of wide-ranging changes to the frontage.

Details will be made public at an exhibition at Bognor Regis Methodist Church, in High Street/Waterloo Square, between 9.30am and 6pm on November 21 and 9.30am and 4pm on November 22.

Among the other initial ideas in a jumbo package of suggestions put forward for residents' comments are elephant sculptures and a special beach hut.

Those who come along to the consultation events staged by Arun District Council will see maps, plans and images of ideas and possible features that could become part of the seafront.

These have been produced following workshops with key organisations such as the town's chamber of commerce, Butlins, Bognor 21 and local councils.

Initial responses from questionnaires handed out to members of the public on the seafront have also been included.

Cllr Norman Dingemans, in charge of Arun's economic and cultural development policies, said: "Everyone has their own idea of what Bognor Regis seafront should be like and it is important that people tell us what they want.

"The sea and seafront are key assets to the town and we want to utilise their full potential, ensuring that they integrate fully with the other exciting regeneration projects being planned for Bognor Regis.

"This is about more than just one site, however. It is about the seafront as a whole, from Aldwick to Felpham. It is about asking what kind of seafront Bognor Regis needs to be a success in the future. It is a big issue so we need some big ideas, and I'm convinced that those who use the seafront every day are best placed to provide them."

The results of the exhibition will be used by the council and its consultants EDAW to draft a seafront strategy that will be submitted to councillors for approval in the next couple of months. It will also play a part in the overall 500m regeneration programme of Bognor.

Cllr Dingemans added: "This area provides great opportunity for improvement, creating better links between the seafront and town centre. We are keen to bring new and high-quality features to the Bognor Regis seafront that will help build its reputation as an exciting and distinctive destination."

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