Greens shocked and Labour criticises decision process

Arun Green Party members reacted with shock after the route was announced.

Camilla Lambert, who lives less than 200 metres from the proposed ‘ grey’ route, said: “If this goes ahead, life for me and my neighbours will be shattered.

“We and others in Walberton will be cut off from the access we have enjoyed to the woods and fields of Binsted, and, even more importantly, the wholeofwhat is now an area of wonderful biodiversity will be ruined, all to save a few minutes on a journey.

“There are much simpler solutions to the intermittent problems that occur round Arundel, which would improve the flow of traffic.’

Faye Catterson, Green councillor for Arundel, Walberton and Binsted, said: “I cannot believe the destruction to our residents’ lives that would be the result of this road. My heart goes out to those living in Tortington, Binsted and Walberton.

“There is a belief that this roadwillsolvelocalcongestion problems. However, the sad truth is that congestion on local roads will get a whole lot worse as traffic fights to get up to the new bypass, causing misery to those living in the six villages to the south in particular.”

The announcement by Highways England was also condemned by Labour, with the local party chairman labelling it undemocratic.

Michael Ward, chairman of Arundel Branch Labour Party, said: “This is not democracy. Highways England promised to listen to everyone’s views. But they are ignoring them, by supporting an environmentally disastrous route backed by only a tiny minority of local people.

“They may as well have said ‘choose any colour as long as it’s grey’.”

Mr Ward toured the wetlands site at the weekend,

meeting local campaign group SCATE, to see for himself the landscape that will be decimated by the construction of a massive embankment and viaduct across the water meadows that would permanently block the iconic view of Arundel from the south.

“This is a precious natural environment which is popular with locals and visitors to Arundel,” he said.

“The view was even voted as one of the best in England by a leading travel writer. What gives Highways England – an unelected body – the right to override consultations to propose a plan that would destroy this forever?”

Arundel Branch Labour Party supports the Arundel Alternative, a scheme drawn up locally which addresses the problems without wrecking the environment.