Arguments over crumbling Littlehampton walkway

The hole, in front of the harbour office in Pier Road, appeared in early January, and has meant that a large part of the path, popular with residents and visitors alike, has been fenced off.

Harbour master, Colin Hitchcock, said that the board was in discussions with David Wilson Homes, the company that built the walkway, the East Bank development, and the harbour office, over who should pay for it to be fixed.

"If we pay to mend it, and we are not liable, we will have to go to court to get the money back," he said.

A spokesman for Arun District Council added that the problem had been discovered while maintenance was being carried out.

"The harbour master tried to ascertain what was causing some drainage problems. This required the area to be opened up and led to the discovery of a more serious problem."

He added that the area was fenced off so that the public could still use the path.

The Arun spokesman said: "This matter could be a latent defect arising from the original design or construction.

"The board is awaiting further information from the developers about the extent of the problem and what needs to be done to fix it."

Asked why it had not already been repaired, he said the board could risk not being able to recover its costs.

"The original developers have since been incorporated into Barratt Homes, which has taken some time to locate its documentation so they can satisfy themselves as to the original specification and contractual agreements.

"If the board attempted to rectify the defect without the agreement of the original developer, who may ultimately be liable for the full costs, the cost could end up being met by either harbour users or the local council tax payer '” something the board is keen to avoid."

Tony Hedley, technical director of Barratt Southern Counties, said that he had been in correspondence with board, and that he hoped a resolution would be agreed shortly.

"If the issue is the responsibility of David Wilson Homes, we will of course complete the necessary remedial works."

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