Thank you to everyone for your kind words since the Chartwell Road Fire and for asking how the injured person is doing. LBP thought it was only right not to leave you hanging and provide a full update for you.

LBP are so pleased to report that the injured staff member is expected to make a full recovery, but it will take at least 6 weeks. They have some superficial burns which have already started to heal naturally, but their lower arms are the majority of the 8% burns.  

The NHS has a wonderful new treatment for this level of burns which meant that no debridement (removal of damaged skin) was required and donor-skin was carefully  placed over the lower arm burns to enable the body to regenerate naturally. They had their bandages changed on Wednesday and things are thankfully going to plan.

Below is the reason why it was fortunately only 8% burns and a full recovery is expected!

LBP has been on site and was amazed to see the impact of the fire. During the incident LBP thought it was two metal buildings that were on fire due the severity of the flames, but in fact it was only one metal building that was completely burnt out. The quick reactions of the staff, the fire protection measures on site and the skill of our emergency services meant the second metal building merely experienced soot on the inside of the walls and a small amount of denting to the front corner of the structure, but nothing was damaged inside the second building. This is not short of miraculous when you consider this is a scrapyard, which if mismanaged has the potential to spread fire like a wildfire.

When Coastline Metal Recycling Ltd took on the scrapyard, they reviewed the site for their intended use to determine the fire safety risks and therefore increased the fire prevention measures to prevent the spread of fire. Two of the measures implemented was installing additional fire-resistant Legioblocks and careful separation of waste categories. My word these measures did them proud last week. The depolluted vehicle oil and fuel tanks were safely barriered behind several lines of Legioblocks with deliberate space between each line and this worked a treat, as the tanks were completely untouched by the fire and remained safely intact.

Please see below the impact to the first line of Legioblocks which helped to hold the fire, but you can see just how hot that fire got and then the second line which still look brand new. Amazing technology for which LBP is very grateful!

When the fire broke out, Coastline Metal Recycling Ltd's carefully rehearsed fire procedures kicked straight into action. They provided immediate support for their injured colleague to minimise the severity of his burns and then they reactioned incredibly quickly to help keep the fire as much as possible under control until West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS) arrived on the scene.

Another of their fire prevention measures was to increase the number of fire extinguishers in key areas and this came straight into play on the day, as they deployed the extinguishers at the source of the fire. Initially, the owner of Coastline Metal Recycling Ltd led his staff in their efforts, but then instructed them all to leave, whilst he continued to try to contain the fire. He was adamant he would continue to ensure the fire didn’t spread, until one of his staff physically pulled him out, just before WSFRS arrived. Now LBP really understands those blackened faces seen on the night.

Whilst the cause of the fire is still to be determine, LBP would like to commend all the efforts made by Coastline Metal Recycling Ltd to contain that fire and help ensure the safety of everyone surrounding the scrapyard and their sites.

The scrapyard has remained closed since the fire to enable a full clear-up of the scene. LBP are pleased to say that the scrapyard is expected to reopen for non-ferrous metals on Monday 2^nd November, but it will take a few weeks longer before they will be ready to reopen for ferrous metals and cars. LBP will keep you updated on the full reopening date.

This is a true example of how fire risk assessments and investment in fire protection measures really make a difference when it matters most!

WSFRS provide free preventative support and advice for businesses, with an online interactive Business Fire Safety Awareness Tool to help simplify the process. For further information please click here  

To view the initial update and photos from the fire please click here

At 4:24pm yesterday, a fire broke out in the scrapyard in Chartwell Road.

LBP are pleased to report the fire is completely out and access has been restored to all areas of the park.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS) are still on site this morning, so please drive slowly around Chartwell Road to help keep them safe whilst they continue to monitor the scrapyard to prevent further fire. 

LBP doesn't even know where to start with the thanks we need to give to all the emergency services who started flooding onto the park at 4:33pm yesterday. As well as the businesses who immediately called 999, supported the emergency services and even provided hot drinks and facilities as the officers braved a difficult fire in horrendous weather.

Let’s start with most important update! One member of staff was unfortunately hurt in the fire and South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) were quickly on site to help minimise his injuries and transport him to Worthing Hospital for treatment. LBP is very pleased to report that although he did suffer 8% burns, he is doing very well and by 9:30pm he was in good spirits when visited by his colleagues. Thank you to Secamb and the NHS for helping to keep him safe and providing the pain relief needed to put a smile back on his face. LBP wishes him a very speedy and full recovery.

Next, we need to congratulate the other staff on site when the fire first started, as their well-rehearsed fire procedure enabled immediate and skilful reactions. The action of this close nit team really helped to minimise injury and contain the fire, rather than spreading to the full site before the emergency services could reach them. LBP saw exhausted blackened faces focussing on their colleague and providing every bit of information possible to support the emergency services. Fire prevention work and practised fire procedures really make the difference and this was evident yesterday.

Now let’s talk about the amazing response from all the surrounding businesses. WSFRS received more than fifty 999 calls, every one of these calls was as important as the others. Thank you everyone and please never stop immediately dialling 999, if you see smoke on the park. Your call could make all the difference in alerting the emergency services and speeding up the response. LBP was on the A27 when the phone started to ring and ring and ring, before it was safe to pull over. Thank you everyone as this enabled LBP to quickly return to the park to assist. We apologise for the calls we were unable to take whilst dealing with this incident, as there was a lot to co-ordinate to help keep everyone safe and moving.

We would like to thank Shoreham Vehicle Auctions who without question supported the closure of Chartwell Road, by throwing traffic cones into their van and immediately delivering the cones to the entrance of Chartwell Road. This action assisted Sussex Police in enforcing the essential cordon to help keep everyone safe. We would also like to thank J&H Automotive who happily dropped everything to offer assistance to LBP.

Biffa and Bidfood kicked straight into action providing site access for the emergency vehicles, facilities for the officers and essential hot drinks to keep them going whilst it poured down all evening. The professional emergency response and caring demonstrated by both these businesses is to be highly commended and for which LBP is very grateful. Biffa remained on site until the response was scaled down late into the evening, when they were supposed to leave around the time the fire started. Bidfood operates 24/7 and they did everything possible to divert vehicles and keep the road clear for the emergency services, with staff evacuated and waiting patiently outside the cordon, until it was safe to return to site and start their night shift. Bidfood worked with LBP to minimise movements and LBP would like to thank their truck drivers for driving at a snails pace when marshalled out of their site, as this ensured the emergency services were not put at risk.

You may have seen a photo on social media of dogs being escorted to safety at the beginning of the evening. The dogs were never at risk, but it broke LBP’s heart to see the concerned owners unable to access site to pick up their beloved pets. This is one of the many thanks LBP would like to give to WSFRS. When LBP explained the plan to escort the eleven dogs to their cherished carer, so she could drive them away to meet up with their owners, WSFRS didn’t hesitate. They immediately assessed the plan, gained approval and provided two officers to help walk the dogs safely out. All credit needs to be given to dog walkers, as it’s not easy walking three/four dogs each. They were lovely dogs though, especially one who LBP would happily have slipped into the wrong car, as who would have thought that many dogs wouldn’t hesitate in all jumping in the back of one car. All it took was seeing their cherished carer and they all did as they were told.

LBP would like to thank to Sussex Police who remained on the park until gone 10pm, when it was finally safe to reopen Chartwell Road. They had a difficult job in the rain, keeping everyone at a safe distance from the fire, as the nature of scrapyard fires are prone to unexpected explosions and distance is the key here.

We leave our biggest thanks to WSFRS, whose exemplary work ensured the fire was contained within just two metal structures, preventing damage to all of the adjoining sites. This required fire trucks from multiple fire stations across West Sussex, a lifting platform, additional water supply and incredible skills and hard work. Two crews even stayed all night to ensure the fire did not reignite and they will continue to monitor until there is no longer any chance of further fire.

We are so lucky on LBP to have the support of our emergency services, as they always do us proud. Thank you everyone!

It is with a heavy heart that LBP provides this update for you, following the recent articles in the press.

At 11:40am on Tuesday, LBP was called to assist an incident in Chartwell Road to find eight emergency vehicles already on site.

An experienced contractor, far from retirement and in great health, was working on the roof when at 11:21am he tragically fell into the empty unit. His colleagues, some of which were family members, acted instantly calling out loud for help. LBP workers heard their cries and immediatley took action to call 999 and race to their aid.

A first aider reached the man in moments, and the emergency services started arriving at 11:24am, quickly followed by responders from the Air Ambulance Charity. They provided every possible specialist medical intervention to try to save his life, working so hard but were unfortunately unable to save him and he sadly passed away.

LBP would firstly like to pass our condolences to the family and ask that everyone please respect their privacy. This extremely close family remained on site until the very end during this terribly difficult time and LBP would like everyone to please give them the time they need.

LBP would also like to thank the emergency services for their amazing skills, caring and professionalisms, along with numerous people who dropped everything that day to help during the incident. To Kelly, Lynn and Jason for raising the alarm and being first on site to help. The two sites who quickly gained approval and cleared yards to enable a helicopter landing  site, just in case it might make the difference. And the kindness of everyone who helped care for his family and colleagues, along with the businesses who supported the emergency services, clearing space and halting their operations to avoid causing any delay in his care.

LBP would like to personally thank Recorra, Bidfood, SIG ltd, Rabbit Group, the DVLA and Adur & Worthing Council Services for their unquestioning support!

The contractor may not have been based on Lancing Business Park, but that day everyone showed their true colours and made LBP very proud to be part of our business community.

If there is one thing we can learn from Tuesday, it’s that unfortunate incidents can happen to even the most experienced of us. LBP therefore asks that everyone on and off the park, please take time before working at height to assess and mitigate every potential risk and even things you wouldn’t consider could possibly happen, so we can help keep our workers safe and back with their families at the end of each day. Thank you.

Please see below the current HSE guidance which honestly is essential reading for anyone thinking of working at height:

https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/

https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/scaffoldinginfo.htm

The 2026 Adur & Worthing Business Awards Shortlist has now been announced, and LBP are very proud to see so many LBP Businesses and Sponsors featured within this year's shortlist.

LBP wishes everyone the best of luck for the Awards Ceremony on 6th November at The Charmandean Centre in Worthing:

(Please click the company logos below to find out more about each company)

Les & Stephen Fuller, along with their Team at Triad are based in Peter Road and have been shortlisted for the following awards:

Delphine Kennedy and her Team at DBK Aero are based in Crown Buildings in Chartwell Road and have been shortlisted for the following awards:

Thomas Robertson and his Team at Scout Store have their development site in Marlborough Road and have been shortlisted for the following award:

Liana Naylor and her Team at Inside Publications are based in Commerce Way and have been shortlisted for the following award:

Kate Hallin and her Team at Bennett Griffin, LBP Sponsors have been shortlisted for the following award:

Anna & Paddy O’Donoghue, along with their Team at Hunters Recruitment & Training, LBP Sponsors have been shortlisted for the following award:

Along with their lovely Ara Harris who has been shortlisted for:

To view this year's full shortlist please click here

LBP would like to thank everyone for their understanding whilst Rabbit Group skilfully demolished two substantial industrial sites in Marlborough Road.

Yesterday, the Rabbit Group completed the demolition and clearance of 77 Marlborough Road and plans are now underway to determine if land levelling works are needed on site next week.

LBP visited site yesterday to see the completed works and was really surprised as now the old building has been cleared, the site is much larger than expected.

Industrial IT Systems are now working on the build programme for their new headquarters, with construction expected to commence in a few months. LBP will keep you up to date on these works.

This week, Beard Construction has been busily preparing the cleared site at 75 Marlborough Road, to commence construction of Scout Store’s new headquarters.

Beard Construction have kindly provided the newsletter below which gives an outline of their build programme due to be completed in July 2027. Please click the image below for further details:

Beard Construction has already made a great addition to the LBP Community!

Yesterday, Aber who is in charge of their site security, kindly came to LBP’s aid by helping to push a broken-down vehicle out of the middle of Marlborough Road. This kind action enabled the queue of vehicles to safely pass and clear the road. LBP would like to thank Aber for his support and the drivers who waited patiently. We are always stronger when we work to together!

LBP would like to thank the business who kindly reported that the Western Road traffic lights were changing far too quickly and not letting many vehicles onto the A259.

LBP reported this to West Sussex Highways' Traffic Lights Contractor, who met LBP on site on Wednesday morning to find there was indeed a fault with the eastbound traffic sensor. This was immediately resolved, enabling more vehicles to exit Western Road and head towards Shoreham. Whilst on-site, LBP also witness between 15 and 20 vehicles managing to exit westbound onto the A259 within each light change.

The Traffic Lights Contractor explained that we are fortunate, as the lights at this junction have been upgraded to AI technology rather than the old radar system, which had a wire coil in the ground requiring a vehicle to sit directly on the wire coil to initiate the sensor.  

The new AI technology installed now checks all three directions, determines what type of vehicles are queuing and how long the queue is in each direction. This enables the new system to prioritise how long the lighting change stays in place for, up to the maximum time allowed. This ensures that no one should be left sitting in the queue without a chance of entering the A259.

The complication comes when all three directions have long queues, as there is little point in letting too many vehicles out of Western Road, as there will be insufficient space for these vehicles to clear the junction. This has been happening recently due to the roadworks at Park Road in Worthing and those on the A259 in Lancing.

LBP is working with West Sussex Highways to determine if a painted junction box on the A259 would help prevent vehicles from sitting in a queue in the middle of junction, to give more space for vehicles to exit Western Road. A big consideration is whether this could actually reduce the number of vehicles exiting Western Road, as they would need to have clear space the other side of the junction box before exiting.

LBP will continue working on this to see if a painted junction will be beneficial.

At 4:20am on Monday there was a near miss in Chartwell Road North.

LBP are so pleased to report that the driver of the HGV heading the wrong way around the one-way system and the car travelling in the correct direction, who was carefully pulling out of a parking space behind another HGV, managed to avoid a head on collision.

This was especially important as when LBP checked the incident on the CCTV, a cyclist was seen but a few moments later heading the wrong way in the middle of the road, directly behind the HGV.

In the 4am darkness, this is an incident which we can count our lucky stars that no-one was hurt!

LBP appreciates that a driver or cyclist might assume at this time of the early hours, they are the only one travelling on the one-way system, but they would be wrong! LBP has movements 24/7 and rarely is Chartwell Road quiet.

LBP has reviewed all the footage from that morning and contacted two companies to ask that they ensure their staff do not travel the wrong way in future.

LBP has also had reports of cyclist travelling the wrong way on the road during the day and we ask that all staff please do not do this, as you are likely to meet an HGV head-on and we would prefer you get to work or home in once piece.

Please help us to keep everyone safe by always driving and cycling in the correct direction on the one-way system. 

Thank you.

The demolition of Scout Store’s site at 75 Marlborough Road is nearing the end, with all the buildings now down and site clearance works underway, ready for concrete crushing to commence mid-September. Rabbit's Demolition Team are due to exit the site by 2nd October.  

With Scout Store's site on schedule, it’s almost time to move next door to demolish 77 Marlborough Road, the former Print Fragrancing site.

LBP is pleased to announce that planning permission has been granted for Industrial IT Systems who are currently based in Fishersgate, to build their new 8,137sqft headquarters right next door to Scout Store. The development will include a rear onsite car park increasing the current parking provision from 5 spaces to 11, with disabled parking and cycle racks.

Industrial IT Systems help businesses and organisations connect, control and communicate with technology in places where standard office IT equipment may not be reliable enough. i.e. hospitals, data centres and substations. They also provide technical advice, configuration, integration and ongoing support rather than simply selling equipment.

To find out more about Industrial IT Systems please click here 

LBP has been working with Industrial IT Systems to help bring this development forward so we can welcome our new addition to the LBP Business Community. LBP are pleased to say that the Rabbit Group has also been commissioned to undertake these demolition works.

Hoardings have now been erected around the site at 77 Marlborough Road, and the draft demolition schedule has been prepared, which will be much quicker, with a lot less dust than the major Scout Store demolition programme:

Demolition works are currently due to commence on 14^th September once the licenced removal of all asbestos materials has safely taken place and all the site services have been fully disconnected.  

This shorter demolish programme is due to last three weeks:

Week 1

• Removal of asbestos roof (from within the building using a tower)
• Strip out works

Week 2

• Delivery of machine to site & commence demolition works

Week 3

• Breaking up slab & loading of all waste materials off site

LBP will keep you updated on progress and asks that you please bear with us as there will be a bit of dust during these works. Thank you.

Last Tuesday, two men in a white van entered the Council’s Yard at 10:38am and tried to load their van with metal garden furniture. Council staff were very quick to challenge this behaviour but were faced with the men trying to assure them, they had permission to remove the metal items. Knowing this not to be the case, the staff prevented them from loading the metal, escorted the men back into their van and out of the yard, quickly locking the gates behind them.

This action alone is to be commended, but what Jake thankfully did next helped another business in Peter Road.

As soon as the gates were locked, Jake called LBP to report the incident, which enabled LBP to immediately go to Peter Road to investigate where the van went next. Due to Jake’s quick actions, LBP met the van as it was exiting another yard in Peter Road, quickly followed by Mark Pidd, Eschmann Technologies’ Site Services Co-Ordinator.

LBP and Mark stopped the van and explained that the metal in their van were removed without permission and needed to be immediately returned to the yard. The van was then forced to reverse, and the two men unloaded the metal.

We are so lucky to have such a supportive business community as the moment the incident occurred people came from everywhere to make sure the metal was returned and everyone was kept safe. LBP would like to thank everyone involved for their time and support; it was much appreciated!

LBP ensured that facial and van registration photographs were taken at the scheme and has since downloaded all the relevant LBP CCTV footage to share with the Police.

This incident is believed to be linked to another theft on 9^th July and LBP is working with the Police to share all the information gathered, as there has been a spate of metal thefts in the area.

Please can you update your staff to be extra vigilant as the price of metal is currently high and these men tried to very convincingly state they had permission to remove the metal, but that was not the case.

Thank you.

What a change!

Rabbit Group have been working hard to demolish Scout Store's old site at 75 Marlborough Road. It no longer looks like the photo above.

Thank you to everyone for understanding that demolition works unfortunately create a lot of dust. Rabbit have been using dust suppression measures to try to keep the dust to a minimum, but LBP appreciates there has been a dust cloud which has settled on surrounding vehicles, especially when the office block at the front of the site was taken down. 

In the photos below you can see the dust suppression sprays in operation during this work. 

The office block is no longer there, and works are progressing well with the rest of the site. 

There has been a slight amendment to the schedule as additional asbestos was discovered in the columns supporting the warehouse roof. These have now been wrapped in green plastic to enable safe removal, and the additional two-week notification period is about to allow this asbestos removal to start, but this can't be rushed as clear guidelines will be followed.

Once the additional asbestos has been removed, the steel columns will be cut to enable the warehouse roof to be safely lowered, ensuring it stays on its current footprint and does not impact the Quoin Estate Units, residents to the rear, or Marlborough Road.

As a result of the additional asbestos works, the onsite concrete crushing is now expected to commence mid-September for two weeks.

The demolition crew are aiming to be off site by 2nd October but are hoping they may make up time once the asbestos is cleared, so they can exit earlier if possible.

Please see the photos below to give you a better view of what's currently going on behind the safety hoardings and the image of what will come next.

Please contact LBP is you have any queries by clicking here

Thank you for your understanding and patience during these works.