From nothing to something

Having successfully defeated wave after wave of obstacles, challenges and campaigns by local pressure groups, for more than 15 years, Derek Whittaker and his dedicated colleagues at Arun District Council were finally able to deliver their East Bank vision to Littlehampton.

The rejuvenated and revitalised East Bank development has been a wonderful asset and is probably the town's most popular attraction.

During the past 18 months, the Promenade and riverside walkway have been packed with visitors and locals alike, enjoying the delights of our waterfront and seaside.

Rain or shine, winter or summer, the crowds continue to come and enjoy the new-look Littlehampton.

While it is very easy and, sadly, all too common, for someone such as R. Shepherd to make such comments, one should look at the true picture and thank and acknowledge those who have taken Littlehampton forwards.

We should be thanking Arun for the East Bank project, Gary Smart and his team at Harbour Park for their onging investment and commitment to the town, the family who run the seafront train, the volunteer coastguards and lifeboat crews who do a superb job, often in very challenging and difficult circumstances.

We should also be appreciating the relatively new restaurateurs who have opened up new businesses in the town in recent years.

There is also the exhilarating spectacle of kite surfing and the harbour moorings are full of visiting yachtsmen.

The long, fine summer of 2006, together with a mild winter and the glorious weather of April, have also given our town an enormous boost.

The East Beach Caf, with its stunning sea views and uniquely organic and rustic structure, is yet another hugely positive step in both widening and broadening the appeal of Littlehampton.

I for one cannot wait to enjoy a meal there when it opens in June, as I look forward to the ongoing development of the town and in particular the town centre.

Ten years ago, we were a nothing town with a seafront, an amusement park, a river and little else.

Now we are a very popular, attractive, sought-after and viable town which is both on the up and very much on the map.

My thanks to all of you who stuck with it and continue to do so.

Last, but by no means least, our thanks should be expressed to the ever-present, supportive, flag-waving and drum-beating Littlehampton Gazette.

Andy McTaggart

St Winefride's Road

Littlehampton