Beach on the Beach goes into hibernation for the winter

Beach on the Beach, the sand play area provided by Arun District Council on Bognor Regis promenade, has been put to bed for the winter.

It has proved to be a popular destination for families with young children since it was opened before Easter this year.

Monitoring shows that Beach on the Beach was used by around 160 people on busy days, with an average of 43 children and 25 adults every day.

The average visit to the sandpit lasted about an hour, and both residents and visitors to the town have come to play in the sand.

Councillor Mrs Gillian Brown, Leader of Arun District Council and Cabinet Member for Council Strategy, said: “We are delighted with the way Beach on the Beach has worked.

"It was a trial project to see whether people would use a facility like this and it’s proved to be a real hit. We will be considering how to improve it for next year.”

In the meantime, Beach on the Beach will be covered over to protect it and keep the sand clean, and the gate will be kept locked for the winter months and the Council plans to reopen it again in time for Easter next year.