Eco-Town a once-in-a-lifetime chance

Arun's main industries are traditionally horticulture/agriculture, tourism and retail. In essence, the district is a low-paid and largely seasonal economy, compared with other parts of West Sussex.

According to research organisation Nomis, the average gross weekly wage for Arun in 2007 was 389, the lowest in West Sussex. This compares to a county average of 477 (22 per cent higher) and a south-east average of 499 (28 per cent higher).

Low wage levels create an unacceptably high level of outbound commuting '” currently around 40per cent, with 80 per cent of those by car. No wonder there is so much congestion.

Is this the kind of future we want for our children and grandchildren?

Now, through the national Eco-Towns programme, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to break this cycle and bring about a step change in the local economy.

The Eco-Town brand offers a unique and high-profile selling point that will help to draw new investment into the area in a way that is complementary to the largely leisure and retail-based economies of Bognor and Littlehampton.

Ford Airfield Eco-Town will gain attention nationally and even internationally, due to its innovative use of technology and standards of design. It embraces and promotes new technology in construction, waste management and renewable energy, it demands innovation and enterprise and creates opportunities beyond the district's current offer.

Ford Airfield Eco-Town will bring about a significant increase in local job opportunities and will help to reduce out-commuting. It will provide a refreshed and enhanced customer base for existing businesses, which could stimulate opportunities for increased retail/leisure expenditure in Bognor and Littlehampton.

There are more than 24,000 young people under the age of 16 in Arun and it is their future we are debating. Do we have the courage to try to make a step change in order to give them a brighter future?

Tony Dixon

Barons Close, Westergate

NOTE: All letters must include a name and address which can be withheld by request.

Write in to Readers' Letters, Worthing Herald series, Cannon House, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1NA, email the Herald, or use the contact us template by Clicking here.

-------------------------------------

Click here for more readers' letters.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: [email protected]

Want to read this page in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Urdu or 48 other languages? click here for Google translate.