What's the future of Shoreham?

There's no doubt that Shoreham is changing. Even in the decade-and-a-bit I've lived here, we've seen some dramatic changes: the pedestrianisation of East Street, the construction of the Adur Ferry Bridge, and big residential developments spring up along the river. Some of these developments have been welcomed; some are less popular.

There are plenty of big developments planned, and you can give you opinion on them online at the local planning site.

The cycle of controversy

But, right now, there seems to be more disagreement over the future of the town than there has been for a while. For example, last year's controversy about the Old Shoreham Road Cycle Lane, put in during the height of the COVID crisis, is on its way to court:

Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK’s head of campaigns, said: “Cycling UK is delighted the Court of Appeal agreed that the issues raised in this case, especially the requirement for highway authorities to properly consider the government’s statutory guidance, must be fully considered.”

Some residents detested the temporary lane, some can't wait to see it restored. The appeal should be resolved before the end of the year. But the division it has bred is likely to last longer.

And this conflict isn't unique to Shoreham itself. Just a little further along the coast, protestors attempted to delay the removal of the cycle lane in Hove.

Brennan Holt, from a local parents group, explained why:

“It signified a progressive and positive step for the city, opening up opportunities for groups to cycle that would never have had the confidence before, creating links to schools, local parks and into town.

The Poplar Revolutionary Front

Meanwhile, the development of new housing on the former civic centre site next to the Duke of Wellington threatens the beautiful poplar tree there. This is an issue that most people seem to agree on: the tree must stay.

There are precious few mature trees along that stretch of the Brighton Road, and given the pollution from the cars on that road, every one is precious.

Residents have a petition going to try and get the tree protected:

Sign the Petition

Shoreham poplar front

Change.org

• Speaking of controversial developments, the BeachBox development on Beach Green was given a provisional licensing statement.

The new School Bus

Shoreham Beach Primary School has been undergoing a renaissance under its new head teacher, Darren Vallier. Despite taking on the reins of the school mid-pandemic, he's been making some great changes. The latest is the arrival of a school bus:

Why a single-decker bus has taken pride of place in a shoreham school’s playground

Shoreham Beach Primary School has been given a bus that will be used for a breakfast club, after school club and as an additional learning space during the day.

Shoreham HeraldKatherine Hollisey-McLean

This old Brighton & Hove Bus Company bus will be used for clubs, outdoor learning and wrap-around care. You can learn a little more in the welcome back video he created for the children.

• The school has places available
• One of the staff ran a 5km muddy challenge for cancer research

News Round-up

After yet another spate of vandalism at Shoreham Fort, including an incident last week, it looks like the area will be getting CCTV within the next few weeks:

CCTV at Shoreham Fort planned to combat anti-social behaviour

CCTV near to Shoreham Fort was on the agenda during a meeting of Adur and Worthing Councils’ joint overview and scrutiny committee last night (September 16).

Shoreham HeraldJessica Hubbard, local democracy reporter

Police are looking for witnesses after a fatal crash near Southwick. Were you driving that way?

Police appeal for witnesses after woman dies in Old Shoreham Road crash

Sussex Police issued an appeal for witnesses after a woman died in a crash in Old Shoreham Road, Southwick. The force also asked for any security camera or dashcam footage that could help as the death of the 72-year-old pedestrian is investigated. She died at a crossing at the top of Park Way – near…

Brighton and Hove NewsFrank le Duc

Could Southland Hospital be a solution to a growing problem in our local NHS?

Daily Insight: Losing out in the long-term?

The must-read stories and debate in health policy and leadership.

Health Service Journal

The council are conducting a survey into the evening and nighttime economies in the area. The resulting report will be used by council leaders to help plan where our town centres go next:

Evening and night time experiences of Adur and Worthing’s town centres are sought

Experiences of the evening and night-time economies across Adur and Worthing’s town centres are being sought as part of a study into potential improvements.

Shoreham HeraldJoshua Powling

You can fill in the survey online.

Sports Corner

Shoreham FC beat Wick 3-1 at the weekend. Here's the match report:

Shoreham hold off Wick rally

Shoreham won their sixth SCFL division one game of the season while consigning Wick to their sixth defeat.

West Sussex GazetteWill Charlton

Rubbish!

• A quick reminder that tip times change next month

The Week Ahead

A round-up of events happening in Shoreham-by-Sea in the coming week.

Today

• Shoreham Beach Neighbourhood Forum AGM at the community centre
• 7.30pm: Folk Night with the Rude Mechanicals at the Duke of Wellington

Thursday

• 7.30pm: Film: Mick Fleetwood and Friends at the Ropetackle
• 8pm: DJ Rich – Around the World in Eighty Years at the Duke of Wellington

Friday

• 9.15am: Lambs Tales — stories for pre-schoolers at the Church of the Good Shepherd
• 11am: Film: The Gruffalo's Child at the Ropetackle
• 7.30pm: BBC Radio 4's Any Questions at the Shoreham Centre
• 8pm: Ivo Graham: The Game of Life at the Ropetackle
• 8pm: Zooforus at the Duke of Wellington

Saturday

• 4pm: Jazz Session at the Duke of Wellington
• 7pm: Open Mic Night at the Harbour Club
• 8pm: Lindesfarne at the Ropetackle

Sunday

• 5pm: Karandash at the Duke of Wellington
• 8pm: Los Pacaminos With Paul Young at the Ropetackle

Tuesday

• 2pm: Film: 84 Charing Cross Road at the Ropetackle
• 8.15pm: Open Mic Night at the Duke of Wellington
• 8.30pm: Crown & Anchor Quiz Night

Wednesday

• 9am to 12pm: Weekly Market at the Shoreham Centre

Thursday

• 7pm: Shoreham Wordfest launch event at the Sussex Yacht Club. Featuring writer Alexander McCall Smith
• 7pm: Green Hop Day!!! with “The Space Agency” at the Duke of Wellington
• 7.30pm: Sea Kelp talk from Sussex Underwater at the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Upcoming

Shoreham Wordfest kicks off this week, but really gets going in early October:

Wordfest | Shoreham Wordfest

Shoreham Wordfest is Shoreham’s Premier Literary Festival, it’s an annual celebration of the spoken and written word, with readings and discussions.

Shoreham Wordfest

Want your event listed here? Email us at [email protected].