The Town Council Merit Awards are presented annually to members of the public who, in the opinion of the Council, have made a significant contribution to the town and the townsfolk. This could be through a combination of a number of factors involving the promotion of the town, enhancing its reputation, initiatives to improve quality of life for residents or a sustained contribution to a particular issue, which has wide reaching benefits for Littlehampton.
Mrs. Sue West: in recognition of over 40 years of dedication to the 5th Littlehampton Brownies and Guides groups. Volunteering with the Guides from the age of 16 years and recognised with a Duke of Edinburgh Award with the 1st Wick Guides, Sue continues to inspire, nurture and encourage young people.
Mrs. Daphne Snowden: in recognition of more than 60 years of service to the Royal British Legion and for support to many other charities. Selling Poppies from childhood, Daphne has received a certificate for 65 Years' Service from the Royal British Legion and was presented with a 60-year Service Bar and the Poppy Workers Merit Badge and has raised thousands of pounds for charity.
Mr. Martin Tillman: in recognition of his 37 years of dedication to the Littlehampton Red Cross and for long standing support to groups in Littlehampton. On leaving the Royal Navy Martin joined the Littlehampton British Legion and was twice Chairman. A former member of the Sea Scouts and the Red Cross, he has attended hundreds of events as a volunteer First Aider and has been an Events Volunteer for the Wick Information Centre, as well as a long-standing volunteer with the Littlehampton Bonfire Society.
Littlehampton Shopmobility: for over 20 years of service to residents and visitors to the town. Running in the Town since 1996, Shopmobility has expanded to provide more people with scooters, wheel chair and mobility aids, as well as setting up a pit stop service. A key player in the National Registration of motor scooters, the service has regularly reached the final five in the prestigious Tom Hillier Award.
Sussex Coast Talking News: for over 40 years of recorded newspapers service to those who are blind or visually impaired. Formed by the members of the Rotary Club of Littlehampton in 1975, initially producing fortnightly editions, The Voice of Progress for Littlehampton was one of the earliest talking newspapers in the country. Recently rebranded as the Sussex Talking News, the organisation continues to provide fortnightly recorded newspapers that are then distributed free of charge to those who are blind or visually impaired.
Past winners from 1989 to 2017 are listed here.