Scheme must be completed on time says Bognor town centre manager

The eastern end of the High Street closed for improvement works

Mr Rahman said it was good news the £600,000 scheme in the High Street had begun. But he warned he wanted it finished by its ‘early summer’ planned deadline.

“I’m happy the work is happening. It’s really good.

“My main concern is that the scheme runs over time by a long margin and it continues into the proper peak season.

“If that happens, some of the businesses in the area might not survive because they could have lost so much trade.

“It will become a really big issue for them,” said Mr Rahman. “People have to remember the businesses along the High Street are still open while the work is being carried out.”

West Sussex County Council is carrying out the work to make the High Street more pedestrian friendly.

The road will look like a pavement and will be narrowed.

“The positive side of the work is that it will give a new look to the High Street and tie it in with the London Road precinct.

“When the work is finished, it will be easier to close off the High Street to stage events there,” Mr Rahman said.