Butlins deal to extend stay by 125 years

The 125-year lease will be formally sealed by the holiday company and landowner Arun District Council.

Butlins managing director Richard Bates and council leader Cllr Gill Brown will sign the paperwork.

The ceremony is seen by Cllr Mrs Brown as another sign of the improving fortunes of Bognor.

"We are delighted that Butlins wish to extend their stay in Bognor for such a long time," she said.

"The length of the lease indicates just how keen Butlins are to secure their position in a town that is going places.

"We are extremely happy that a name synonymous with Bognor since the 1960s is joining us as we start a new chapter in the town's history, and that they are just as excited about the town's future as we are."

Arun agreed the lease last October to replace the original 99-year agreement which enabled Butlins to open in Bognor in 1960.

The agreement was dependent upon the holiday company investing further large sums in the seafront location.

But it needed to be approved by Hazel Blears, the government's secretary of state for communities and local government.

This was recently given by Ms Blears.