Bognor pub hosts queues of voters

The healthy turnout outside the darts room at the rear of The Friary Arms was a sign of the brisk trade in the unusual electoral setting.

A steady stream of voters ensured the five polling booths, which temporarily joined the darts boards in the building next to the childrens' playarea, were full at the busiest times.

The booths were rarely empty throughout the five hours of polling as a steady stream of electors made their way through the pub's car park off Shripney Road to the room courtesy of recently arrived licensee Neil Hoyland.

One or two individuals questioned the change of venue from their traditional voting location in the University of Chichester's Assembly Hall. This is being used for exams but, that apart, the change went well.

Audrey Dixon (56), of Stratton Court, said: "Voting in a pub was all right. It didn't make any difference to me. I don't have any complaints about it and the polling was quite well organised."

She cast her four votes yes, no, yes and no. "If The Esplanade is pedestrianised, I don't think people will go there. It's handy for people to park along there now.

"I don't think what is being proposed is enough to warrant the closure.

"There are enough flats along the seafront as it is. There are two big new blocks near Butlins.

"But they are too expensive for local people. They are priced for people moving down from somewhere like London."

Elmwood Avenue resident Stephen Nicholson (47) was another to cast his votes at The Friary Arms.

He said no, yes, no, yes to the questions. "Closing The Esplanade will improve the environment for visitors," he explained.

"I can understand it's convenient to local people to drive along there. But I think closing it will make for a better seafront.

"As for St Modwen's combined entertainment venue, we need a modern, all-purpose facility.

"The people who have kept the Regis Centre open deserve everyone's thanks but we need a modern venue. And the current building looks horrendous."

What do you think? Click here to send a letter or leave a comment below.

Click here to go back to Chichester news

Click here to go back to Bognor Regis news

Click here to go back to Midhurst and Petworth news

To tell us where in the world you are reading this story click on the link below to add yourself to our readers' map.

MAP