Pagham villagers reveal new tales about harbour

More than 5,000 have so far been distributed as part of a consultation which ends next month.

"It's wonderful to see already how many people really care about the harbour," said Cllr Deborah Urquhart, county council cabinet member for environment and economy.

"We have come across some fascinating local stories as well.

"Clearly people cherish and care about Pagham Harbour and how it will be managed in the future."

The initial plans are to replace the current temporary visitor facilities at an abandoned landfill at Sidlesham Ferry with a purpose-built visitor centre.

It would become the main reception point for the reserve, offering educational facilities.

The proposals are being put forward by the county council, the Environment Agency and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

The new centre would also incorporate a caf or restaurant, a shop, exhibition space, outdoor seating and events space, and new cycle and access routes to the harbour.

"We have learned a lot of new information about the harbour, and particularly the area around the abandoned landfill site at Sidlesham Ferry, for which there are very few records," said Cllr Urquhart.

"We still want to hear from as many people as possible, who care about the future of the harbour.

"We have been entertained by tales from locals who remember plundering the site as children for car parts and scrap.

"One man admitted he and a friend pulled out an old motor scooter which they then happily drove around Selsey for many months. It must have been deafening as it had no exhaust!"

The consultation opened on August 4 and closes on October 27.

People who live some distance from the Manhood Peninsula have been logging online at www.westsussex.gov.uk/ paghamharbour to register their views. The consultation leaflet is available from the existing visitor centre at Pagham Harbour, from local libraries and help points, and from tourist information offices.

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