In starting the petition I always aimed to maintain the access and views of Chichester harbour.  However, the project has become mired and is now stalled.

One idea being suggested is to have a boardwalk or footbridge erected across the worst eroding area of the path at the Wade Lane end.   See the above picture taken last week at Petersfield Lake.  A similar structure at Langstone would retain the access and views for the hundreds of people who use this footpath every day.  The Petersfield boardwalk is made of re-cycled plastic, ensuring a long life with minimal maintenance.   If this option were to go ahead, I understand that part of the “deal” would be for the remainder of the seawall to  be repaired and maintained for 25+ years, until around 2050.   By then it is possible that sea level rise will require a different solution.

I would be very interested to know what people think of this … I believe the time has come to work WITH Chichester Harbour Conservancy.  They have no desire to allow the Mill Pond to fail.  They want to maintain access to the shore whilst helping saltmarsh to grow.

Please leave your comments / approval or disapproval of this scheme. 

Margaret Tait 14th November