Sports challenge

If and when Arun District Council decides to take action in accordance with the wishes of the vast majority of the population of this area, and opts for the proposal to retain and improve the existing excellent Littlehampton Swimming and Sports Centre, in Sea Road, I would venture to suggest the following order of priorities for what I consider to be the most urgently needed additions and improvements.

Firstly, the urgent replacement of the ‘temporary’ sub-standards Sports Dome, which is not only long past its useful life and fitness for purpose, but is also very expensive to maintain, energy-wise, because of its lack of thermal insulation and natural lighting.

What is desperately needed is a new, permanent, state-of-the-art all-purpose sports hall, ideally built onto the western end of the main block. Ironically, such a proposal was made by Arun some years ago, but sadly never implemented.

Secondly, the removal and replacement of the unsightly and now illegal and sub-standard corrugated asbestos roof and gable-end panelling to the main block. These should be replaced with a new, industrial type of corrugated metal panelling, stove-enamelled in a colour to blend as closely as possible with the roof tiling on the adjacent lower admin block.

This important improvement would then allow for the installation of solar panelling, which, in sufficient quantity, could substantially reduce the future energy consumption of the centre. Fortunately, the main building’s roof is also ideally sited to receive the maximum benefit from the available sunshine.

Lastly, I think the proposals already suggested for improvements and additions to the dining facilities would, undoubtedly, be of great benefit, both practically and financially, to the centre.

John Kerry

Emma Brook Court

Sea Road

Littlehampton