Completely inadequate

While researching on the British Newspaper Archive website I found an entry in the Evening Telegraph, of Wednesday, May 31, 1933:

“Bognor Regis – One park for 1,000 cars is situated at the West end of the town.

The charge is a shilling all day; sixpence under two hours.

Another park on the Esplanade is available for two hours or under, fee, six pence.

A third park at the East end, holds 1,000 cars and coaches.

The charges are the same as the West end park for cars – two shillings a day for motor coaches.”

So in 1933 over 2,000 car parking spaces were deemed necessary, but in the year 2013, when the authorities are trying to encourage visitors to come to Bognor Regis, they are proposing to build apartments on two of the main car parks.

Perhaps they would like to explain just how is this going to encourage people to visit and use the proposed new facilities.

Car parking should be one of the most important features of the regeneration, especially with the proposed increase in the size of the theatre, the four-screen cinema, plus bars and restaurants.

How are people supposed to use these facilities in the evening when buses such as the number 60 have been scrapped after 7.30pm? Answer, they will use their cars.

I understand that the multi-storey car park is locked when Morrisons store closes, which leaves the small car park in Lyon street.

The proposed car parking along the Esplanade is completely inadequate and this needs to be addressed before any decision is made.

Sue Kidd

Westminster Drive

Aldwick