Help Save Old Shoreham Toll Bridge
become a friend...
A link with the past...
The Old Shoreham Toll Bridge linking Shoreham to Lancing and Worthing was built across the
River Adur tidal estuary in 1781. Prior to that people and animals were pulled from one side of
the estuary to the other on a flat raft - a "pad" that may have given the name to a well-known
hostelry nearby. In 1847 a new river crossing was built to provide a dedicated crossing for the
new South Coast Railway and the railway company acquired a controlling interest in the
bridge. Ownership passed to the newly created nationalised British Rail in 1947 and to West
Sussex County Council, the present owners, in 1970. It was closed to road traffic
and
became a public-bridleway. It is a Grade II Listed building.
The Toll Bridge is a local treasure - a Grade II* Listed structure and valued link between
Shoreham, Lancing and Worthing, allowing walkers, cyclists and horse-riders to cross the
River Adur, whether for leisure, recreation or as a pleasant alternative to commuting to work on
the adjacent Airport site by car. The South Coast Cycleway lies to the south of the bridge with
connections to the Coastal Link, linking to the South Downs Way, the Downs Link and
eventually to the North Downs Way.
In dire need of help..
Today it is in dire need of restoration. In 1997, the County Council, concerned about the safety
of the bridge, had protective fencing erected across the bridge restricting the width open to
the public and preventing access to the bridge parapets. An expert survey has found that the
ravages of time and weather have taken their toll and some of the wood is rotting.
The cost...
The cost of restoration is estimated at £500,000. The County Council has earmarked £100,000. A
bid for £250,000 has been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund and a bid for £50,000 to
English Heritage and West Sussex County Council has set aside £100,000, leaving
£100,000 to be raised by the community: residents, schools, special interest groups and
businesses in Shoreham, the surrounding district and beyond.
How can you help?
Virtually every special interest group and community association, Adur District Council
and West Sussex County Council and a number of businesses have joined the recently formed
Toll Bridge Community Partnership. Over 40 members are working to meet the £100,000
target by donations and fund-raising events. Within the first few month of 2001, £10,000 has
been raised.
The text and form above is from the leaflet issued and ©
by the Friends
