Residents of six villages likely to be affected by plans for the A27 Arundel Bypass, showed up to a demonstration on Sunday (Jan 23).
With a National Highways consultation well underway, residents of Arundel, Tortington, Ford, Binsted, Walberton and Fontwell are becoming angry that they're not getting any clarity, despite asking questions.
A press release sent out by Walberton Friends And Neighbours, said that people had turned up "in their droves to the different consultation events to date and many have left frustrated, some almost in tears, when faced with the scale of National Highways’ proposals".
The group believes that the route has not be designed with local communities in mind and that the "financial and environmental costs of the road don’t stack up".
They say that the new plans mean the "potential nine minutes saved on journey time across the Arun Valley makes no sense since that traffic will come to a grinding halt at new pinch points at Fontwell and Worthing".
They also fear that quiet village roads will become rat runs for drivers trying to save time.
The socially distanced Community photo shoot, using a drone to capture the numbers of people who took time out on a Sunday to show their opposition, was organized by the SAB Alliance who were delighted that so many people turned up.
Drone photo by Jane Mote
The main organizer of the event, Sally Ward, who set this event up whilst undertaking Chemotherapy, said she was “thrilled with the turnout of people from so many different villages and groups coming out on such a cold day to object. Now the consultation has started, more people are realizing the tremendous holes in the arguments for the road. With this many people following us we will plan more events to demonstrate the strength of opposition.”
Martin the MC and Sally Ward
Elijah, aged 10, told us:
“I don't want the road being built because I know the road is going to be built right next to my school and I know that in future life, the pollution from the traffic is going to be affecting children's learning, and I just don't want that.”
Elijah (right)
Another local resident, Helen Bates, said:
“We want to try and make the Government sit up and take notice – with COP26 agreements, levelling up promises, post Covid expenses and decreases in traffic on this road, what is the justification for it?
"It was inspiring today to see the community out in force showing real energy, passion and honesty compared to the "corporate" National Highways consultation event yesterday which felt utterly inauthentic, flawed and tick box.
"National Highways would like us to think this is a done deal - it isn’t. We are hopeful, positive and determined to stop this road destroying Walberton.”
The SAB Alliance is formed of all interested local groups across the area covered by the route – Walberton Friends and Neighbours, Arundel Bypass Neighbourhood Committee, Arundel SCATE and Arun Countryside Trust.
To express your thoughts on the bypass please email:
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Facebook: Walberton Against the A27 Grey Route Twitter: @WalbertonGreyN1
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