Worthing is peaceful alternative to Brighton, residents say

Worthing has much to offer, despite being hit by the recent closure of its pier due to storm damage.

There’s a museum and art gallery, a long stretch of beach and access to the South Downs and a growing range of restaurants and coffee bars.

The town centre is bustling on weekdays and weekends alike, with shoppers enjoying the large number of businesses that trade there.

The Argus asked residents what it is like to live in the area.

Linda Mercure, 71, and husband Ronnie, 69, have lived in Worthing town centre for four years.

Linda and Ronnie Mercure would like to see the return of the traditional farmer’s market (Image: The Argus) Linda said: “We have the Wednesday market, but the farmer’s market was really good.

“We like it here, the residents are kind. We like being able to walk to everything.

“It’s got all the banks and building societies, to have them all in Worthing is quite a surprise.”

READ MORE: Worthing fireworks cancelled due to closure of unsafe pier

However, Linda said homelessness was an issue in the centre and Ronnie said better monitoring of drinking in the town centre is needed.

Jenny Cashin, 66, said the town is “very diverse and up and coming”.

Jenny said the town ‘has a lot going for it’ (Image: The Argus) She said: “I really do think there’s a lot going for us. We have changed over the years.

“I love it here.”

 Jenny said events needed to be advertised more so residents could be aware of what was going on in the community without having to rely on online information.

Liz Moulson, 73, attended boarding school in Worthing and has left and returned to the town multiple times over the years.

She said: “It’s not a bad town. In comparison to some it’s amazing.”

Liz Moulson has returned to the town over the years after attending boarding school there (Image: The Argus) Tania White, 57, has lived in Worthing for 20 years. She said: “The only issue is the empty shops. It’s so much more peaceful than going into Brighton.

“It’s great if you want a coffee but they need to do something with all the empty shops.

READ MORE: Restaurants express heartbreak over fears pier closure will be extended

“It’s definitely more up and coming here though.”

Isobel Keenan runs Sage Grocers, an independent business selling artisan produce, in Gratwicke Road with her partner.

Isobel Keenan, owner of Sage Grocers, has been ‘blown away’ by the support of the town (Image: The Argus) The pair opened the shop only four weeks ago but are already enjoying life as traders in the town.

Isobel said: “It has been great. The customers are so friendly. That is the one thing I am blown away by is just how lovely people have been.”

Molly Pollard-Glaves, manager of vintage clothing shop To Be Worn Again, also said the customers and businesses create a pleasant atmosphere in the town.

Molly Pollard-Glaves, manager of To Be Worn Again, said there is a sense of community in the town (Image: The Argus) She said: “There’s a nice community here. The traders when they’re out on the street closing up for the day will all say hello and have a chat.

READ MORE: ‘Blindsided’ restaurant forced to move after shock pier closure

“Being this end of the town centre does have its challenges, but business is generally quite good and I am always busy.”

While the centre of Worthing provides plenty to do for residents and visitors alike, neighbouring villages and areas such as Ferring and Goring offer a more peaceful atmosphere with a range of walks and traditional pubs.

There are a range of businesses in the town centre (Image: The Argus) In Goring, The Swallows Return and The Bull both offer a strong menu of crowd-pleasing dishes as well as tranquil gardens to enjoy a drink.

Also near Goring is another Worthing highlight – Highdown Gardens, a unique South Downs chalk garden with a “living library” of rare plants and trees.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the average house prices in the town is now £326,000, with the average paid by first-time buyers £261,000.

Closure of the pier, shut by Worthing Borough Council last month, has been a blow. Repairs are due to take place in mid-November during a low tide.

The closure devastated Perch on the Pier and fellow restaurant Tern with both having to shut suddenly.

Worthing Pier is currently closed due to storm damage (Image: The Argus) Tern has now relocated to East Beach Café in Littlehampton and is offering limited dinner services to help mitigate the financial implications of the shock closure.

Perch has another site in Beach Parade, Worthing, and in Lancing and Eastbourne.

Worthing’s annual fireworks display organised by the Worthing Lions also could not take place this year due to the damage.

The council and the Lions tried to find an alternative location but due to the lack of time and size of the event, it proved “impossible”.