At the Parish Council meeting in April 2007, an invited guest was Steve Johnson from West Sussex County Council. Steve is the Area Highways Engineer, based at Drayton in Chichester.

This section of the meeting commenced with a Powerpoint presentation on the state of the roads in the Parish and highlighted potholes, road surfaces, road signs, parking, speeding and other miscellaneous highway issues.

Steve selected various slides shown and whilst agreeing that some of the photographs shown were appalling, explained about the priorities in his Budget and the effect of this prioritisation on rural roads, such as in the Parish. Mr Johnson was unable to give any firm proposals as to when, if at all, any of the works could be done.

It has to be said that there was some considerable feeling against the apparent ‘inactivity’ of West Sussex County Council to resolve any of the issues raised; and it was felt that a further meeting would be necessary, later in the year, to discuss matters further.

A CD was made of the presentation and given to Steve and was also sent to County Councillor Tex Pemberton, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport.

Over recent weeks the following steps forward have been made:

• Tex Pemberton has given the CD to the new County Councillor, Chris Duncton, who has made contact with the Parish Council
• A number of Works Orders have been raided by the Highways Department to remedy some of the issues raised from the presentation
• During the summer, Chris Duncton and Steve Johnson will be touring Chris Parishes, including Plaistow and Ifold
• Chris will be attending the Parish Council meeting on Tuesday 18th September 2007 to discuss the matter further with the Parish Council

Background

West Sussex County Council maintains some 2,500 miles (4,000 km) of roads throughout West Sussex, including sections of three major arterial roads, the A23, A24 and A27.

West Sussex County Council’s Budget for 2007/2008 Budget allows for net revenue spending of £41 million on highways and transport, an increase of £3.7 million (10%) on 2006/2007.

There is a Capital Programme provision in 2007/2008 of £21 million.

The emphasis in the 2007/2008 Budget for highways and transport is road safety, public transport, concessionary fare schemes for 16 to 19 year olds, parking and to continue to press for major improvements on the A23, A24 and A27.