MP and council leaders comment on ‘grey’ route
Arundel & South Downs MP Andrew Griffith has backed the Arundel bypass but said it was ‘disappointing’ that alternative routes were not on the table.
Mr Griffith said: “The
A27 Arundel bypass is a much-needed project which I support.
“It will reduce congestion, enhance air quality, improve road safety and support much-needed employment and economic growth.
“This is one of the largest Government investments ever made in West Sussex and I am pleased to have worked with the Secretary of State for Transport and the Chancellor to secure the necessary support for Highways England to proceed.”
However, on the impact on residents of Walberton, Binsted and Tortington, Mr Griffith added: “It is very disappointing that the alternative routes which would have had far less impact on the residents of Walberton, Binsted and Tortington were blocked by certain areas having protected status and by the failure of the South Downs National Park to endorse any route within its boundary.
“I am committed to supporting residents in getting the best noise mitigation, road design and, where appropriate, swift compensation, although nothing can ease the pain on those whom it most affects.”
And in response to potential opponents of road building, he said: “Some question whether we need to improve our roads at all. Whilst I support a rapid switch to cleaner and quieter vehicles – and the UK is a leader in this respect – they
will still need roads to drive upon and there is nothing environmentally friendly about pollution caused by congestion. The current pandemic highlights the importance of supply chains and whilst long distance commuting has declined, the usage of local roads has if anything increased.”
West Sussex County Council’s preferred route was the ‘magenta’ option, not the ‘grey’ one which was selected. The council’s leader Paul Marshall said: “We welcome the muchneeded investment in our road infrastructure in West Sussex. We have said for many years that improvements are vital on the A27 at Chichester, Arundel, Worthing and Lancing to reduce congestion and ensure our residents and businesses can move around our county reliably and safely.
“The county council’s preferred scheme for Arundel was along a different route (the magenta route).
“However, we will carefully examine the rationale for this decision and look forward to receiving further detail and information about the much-needed mitigation package Highways England will put in place to, as much as possible, limit impacts on
residents and the environment.
“I absolutely understand the concerns of the people of Tortington, Binsted and Walberton and the surrounding area and I want to reassure them that I will continue to lobby Government to make sure they get the support they need.”
James Walsh, Lib Dem councillor and leader of Arun District Council, said: “This has been a long time coming, some 35 years since the Poling-crossbush section. It will bring much needed relief to many local communities, both from traffic congestion and pollution, and therefore is widely welcomed across the whole of Arun District.
“The route protects the South Downs National Park, and the cutting/acoustic fencing at Walberton will protect local residents and avoids all ancient woodland and other trees at Binsted.
“We are aware that this will have an impact on residents in the immediate locality and we will work with all agencies involved to ensure support for those affected. It is a crucial part of the A27 major national and regional south coast route, of crucial importance to business, tourists, and residents.”