County council’s pathway upgrade met with local objection

Plans to widen a pathway in a West Sussex town and create a ‘shared path’ for pedestrians, cyclists and mobility scooters have hit a hurdle after calls for a rethink over its design.

Midhurst Town Council has discussed West Sussex County Council’s proposals for the

MidhurstGreenway,whichruns through Jubilee Path and South Pond, and is formally objecting to the current plans.

David Coote, chairman of Midhurst Town Council planning committee, said: “We want to encourage cycling but the issue is the proposed WSCC design.

“Midhurst Town Council along with other local groups such as the South Pond group and Midhurst Society fully support the broader aims but oppose what is an urban design set in a largely rural context.

In its letter of objection the council wrote: “Midhurst Town Council supports the general concept of cycleways as a means of reducing pollution and emission as well as improved wellbeing.

“However, it cannot support the proposed WSCC cycle route through Jubilee Path and South

Pond in its present form.

“It imposes criteria more suitable for a public highway, rather than a widely used path through a tranquil recreation area and will severely disrupt the use and enjoyment of South Pond.

“South Pond is a much-loved social space regularly used by young children, families, older people, including those with mobility scooters. It is a regular venue for Chichester District Council’s HeartSmart walks, for outdoor exercise groups, educational and environmental groups.”