A27 clarity call: ‘Tell us the facts’

A congested A27 coming into Chichester from the west

That is the call from  this newspaper, which  joins radio station Spirit  FM in campaigning for greater clarity on the  crucial issue.

Rumours of a northern bypass have gathered  steam, with residents forming the Chichester Deserves Better campaign in response to concerns.

Editor-in-Chief Gary Shipton said: “It is absolutely vital that local residents and businesses are presented with all the facts at the earliest opportunity.

“It is also essential that  the consultation which follows is comprehensive and utterly honest.

“As ever, we are campaigning for the very best flow of information and after that will be urging the decision-makers to adopt a course of action which is right for all the people of Chichester and not necessarily that which is the most financially expedient.”

Councillors last week expressed their worries over the lack of public information on the option.

Councillor Mark Dunn told Chichester District Council’s full council he feared Highways would present just one option for consultation.

Asked by Chichester Deserves Better campaigners what steps CDC would take to facilitate early public consultation, leader Tony Dignum said CDC was  merely a consultee. He expected a full council debate on its stance.

Chichester MP Andrew Tyrie will also write to the secretary of state for transport over the matter.

He said: “Rumours of a northern bypass for Chichester are now widespread. Yet Highways England has yet to publish any substantive proposals. That is unacceptable in itself.

“I would be extremely concerned if any proposals for a northern bypass for Chichester turned out to be true. It would change the character of the area forever.”

Spirit FM managing director Sally Austin said: “Spirit FM is proud to working with the Chichester Observer and Chichester Deserves Better to make  sure our listeners are armed with all the information  they need to make an informed decision about the proposals for the improvements to the A27, and to make sure they have this information in time for their voice to actually make a difference.”

Highways England project manager Abi Oluwande said the agency was committed to improving the A27.

She said: “We are working on the various options to be considered for a public consultation in spring 2016.

“Once we have all the  data available we will seek  the public’s view but at this stage it would be inappropriate to release incomplete plans or speculate.”