Sorry on ‘car free day’

“We’re going to come back much stronger in the spring.”

Those were the words of one of the organisers behind the unsuccessful plans for a ‘car free day’ in Chichester.

A section of South Street was set to be closed to motorists from 12.30 to 3.30pm on Sunday. Following threats of a protest from unhappy residents, the road closure licence was revoked by the district council. Despite proposals to scale back the event, organisers were unable to get the licence reinstated.

Head organiser Mark Record said: “A small group of organisers met on South Street when the event had been due to take place. We had leaflets explaining the event had been cancelled and spoke to many people who were disappointed.”

Fellow organiser Phil Maber said next year’s event ‘will be much better’: “We’ve got virtually all the shops on side and a big meeting coming up on November 4.”