Shoreham residents outraged after Adur Recreation Ground fenced off

A wire fence has been erected outside the Adur Outdoor Activity Centre in Brighton Road, limiting access to the river and green space beyond.

Adur Rec was originally named the Adur Memorial Recreation Ground in 1921 in honour of soldiers lost in the First World War and banners were hung on the fence last week calling for a return to those roots.

Kim Matthews, 71, was born in Shoreham and has lived there for most of his life – family members including his great uncle are remembered on Shoreham’s war memorial.

“I was probably wheeled along those paths by my mother in the ‘50s, my grandchildren have played there and played in the rock pools in the area,” said Kim.

“We have had access to that land from the road for time immemorial.”

Kim’s wife Elizabeth, 67, said one of the main concerns was that public access was slowly being ‘nibbled away’, affecting the many people who visit the site for walks and recreation.

It also provides a prime location for kayakers and other river users to enter the water.