BREAKING NEWS: Protesters march to save Littlehampton’s cinema and swimming centre

Campaigners from theatre, film and amateur dramatics groups, as well as local residents’ associations, marched through Littlehampton in a heartfelt plea to rally more support before the first of three vital meetings – which could ultimately determine the futures of both the Windmill Entertainment Centre and the Littlehampton Swimming and Sports Centre – takes place, tomorrow afternoon (Thursday, January 17).

The rally set off from the swimming centre, in Sea Road, at around 11am.

Armed with banner and plaques, and chanting “save our theatre”, the protesters walked west, along the promenade before massing outside The Windmill complex, where Littlehampton town, Arun District and West Sussex county councillor, Dr James Walsh gave a brief speech.

The march then proceeded south into Littlehampton, along the High Street and down Beach Road before stopping outside the Arun District Council’s headquarters, at the Arun Civic Centre, in Maltravers Road.

Campaigners then walked into the New Millennium Chamber, in Manor House, Church Street, to begin a public meeting.

Speaking before the meeting, Dr Walsh said: “This is a clear sign of the swell of public feeling and support for the Windmill.

“We weren’t expecting this many people. It’s been a fantastic turnout.”

A meeting of the Arun leisure, tourism and infrastructure working group is scheduled to take place tomorrow afternoon, from 4pm at the Civic Centre.

Dr Walsh will be chairing the session.

For a full feature on The Windmill, see tomorrow’s Gazette.

For a full story on the protest march, pick up next week’s Gazette.