Legal wrangle a spoke in wheel of Bognor seafront cycle path

Arun and West Sussex councils are locked in talks about how to solve disputes over various aspects about the scheme.

The discussions look set to drag on even though it is three months since councillors gave the project the go ahead.

Cycling campaigner Dr Malcolm Ridley said he was anxious to see the route created between Clarence Road and Felpham's Sea Road.

"I am obviously disappointed that it is taking so long. We got a good decision from councillors.

"I would have liked it to be acted upon straight away instead of this interminable delay which seems to be a hallmark of local government," he stated.

Approval for the route was given by county councillors after the scheme was backed at a meeting of Bognor area county, district and parish council members in January.

The cycle scheme is being funded by 25,000 from the county council's budgets. But the matter is complicated because the promenade is in the control of the district council.

Councillors at January's meeting were told the route for the two-wheelers would be marked by prominent signs.

It is intended cyclists and pedestrians should mix on the 6m-plus wide stretch of promenade rather than have designated areas. These are seen as encouraging cyclists to speed.

Public backing for the cycle path was shown in surveys which gave 1,232 people in support of the idea and 501 against it.

A county council spokeswoman said: "Both parties are resolving legal issues which need to be completed before the scheme can officially launch."

Arun's services director, Colin Rogers, stated: "The district council is keen to move this matter on as quickly as possible, but, unfortunately, must wait for key legal information before it is able to approve the proposed cycle path.

"Comprehensive responses regarding liability are yet to be received from West Sussex County Council, and our solicitor is still in talks with our insurers."

As soon as the issues were resolved, Arun's Cllr Paul Wotherspoon, who is in charge of its environment policies, should be in a position to sign the final approval which is needed, he added.

What do you think? Click here to send a letter or leave a comment below.

Click here to go back to Chichester news

Click here to go back to Bognor Regis news

Click here to go back to Midhurst and Petworth news

To tell us where in the world you are reading this story click on the link below to add yourself to our readers' map.

MAP