"Now do the same for Arundel,” say campaigners.
The decision to rule out a north bypass around Chichester has been welcomed by campaigners worried that Highways England may also be considering a more rural route for a bypass around Arundel.
Arundel Bypass Neighbourhood Committee (ABNC) says it hopes the move shows that Highways England is committed to minimising environmental impact and that they will apply the same principles to Arundel.
“We welcome this decision because an expressway approach at Chichester would have increased pressure on transport and the environment to the east of Chichester throughout Sussex”, said the organisation’s Secretary, Emma Tristram. “Improvements are needed but should not be at the expense of highly valued Sussex countryside, rural businesses and villages.”
“The Department for Transport and Highways England have now accepted this at Chichester and at Worthing. The same should apply at Arundel.”
Highways England announced the decision on Friday as part of the options identification stage of its work. The final options for the road around Chichester will be published for public consultation in the summer.
Notes for editors:
ABNC website - www.arundelbypass.co.uk
ABNC social media - www.facebook.com/arundelbypass @arundelbypass
Emma Tristram (Secretary) Stable Cottage, Binsted, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 0LL 01243 551635