Row rumbles on over what is happening to £500,000 Sainsbury's money

The deputy chairman of the Bognor Regis Civic Society Hugh Coster thinks the town should be consulted on how the money is spent.

The money is owed to the town as part of a Section 106 payment, following the granting of planning permission for the new store at the former LEC site in Shripney Road.

"Nobody has asked the town what this money should be used for, nor has there been any clear indication from Arun District Council as to their intentions," said Mr Coster.

"All we've had is some vague stuff about town-centre management, public-realm improvements and renting shops for art displays.

"We believe the public can come up with better ideas than that and there should be proper public consultation before the money's frittered away into shop landlords' pockets, pavement knick-knacks or employing more bureaucrats."

The Society is also concerned that some of the money may have been spent already.

He added: "We don't know whether any of this money has been paid over yet, who's holding it or anything.

"A recent letter from Arun's chief executive seems to indicate some of it has already been committed.

"We have asked Arun to put on hold any plans or arrangements to dispose of this money until proper consultation has taken place, including consideration of the proposal for free town-centre parking we have recently put forward."

The society is planning a debate on how best the money should be spent. It takes place at their monthly meeting on October 26, at the Royal Norfolk Hotel, at 7.30pm.

Meanwhile Mr Coster feels the society should have been invited to a meeting held by the district council about the proposed free-parking plan.

He said: "The meeting is on the basis of the scheme being run by contributions from the town council, which is not what's been supported by us."

A statement from the council said: "There was no intention to include any other parties in these meetings as they were purposely set up to explore financial support for the idea, and therefore the Civic Society has not been invited to them.

"However the district council has already met with the Civic Society and once meetings have been held with the town council and the chamber of commerce, the district council will meet with the Civic Society again for further discussion."