A259 improvements backed by residents amid parish concern

Hundreds of residents have backed major improvements to the A259 '“ but concerns have been raised by cycling groups and three parish councils.
The A259 is set to be approved, including this single-carriageway section near Haskins garden centreThe A259 is set to be approved, including this single-carriageway section near Haskins garden centre
The A259 is set to be approved, including this single-carriageway section near Haskins garden centre

Nearly 80 per cent of the 937 residents who responded to a six-week West Sussex County Council consultation supported the plans, which would see roundabout improvements and dualling between Angmering and Littlehampton.

But a trio of groups argued the scheme offered a ’piecemeal’ approach to cycling, while East Preston, Kingston and Climping parish councils registered concerns.

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Welcoming the result, East Arun highways working group chairman Dr James Walsh said: “The dualling of the remaining missing links in the A259 are long overdue, and will be welcomed by everyone in the wider district.

“The delays to commuters, shoppers, school trips and industry during much of the day is a complete pain.”

The consultation result, reported in a draft report, noted widespread support in Angmering and along the route of the A259.

It suggests the improvements would cut the use of Station Road and Water Lane as rat runs when traffic builds at the Roundstone roundabout.

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Objection was most widespread in Climping, with the parish council calling for a similar scheme east of Littlehampton.

The council’s representation read: “It is important that a holistic review of the A259 is carried out rather than adopting a piecemeal approach that will simply move the problems around.”

East Preston and Kingston parish councils, meanwhile, welcomed long-awaited improvements but requested inclusion of a left-hand-turn only lane for those turning into Old Worthing Road.

The plans include dualling sections between the Angmering A280 and Station Road roundabouts and Fitzalan link road and Body Shop roundabouts, along with various junction alterations.

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Changes to the Goring Crossways roundabout were also consulted on but are not yet funded. A final design will now be drawn up, with funding expected from the county council and Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership.