Bognor-Barnham cycleway a step closer

The deal has finally seen the landowners along the route of the coast to countryside link agree to allow cyclists to pass over their plots.

The securing of their support means plans can be made to improve the surface of the southern section of the off-road link. It is not yet known when work will start.

The cycle route was the idea of the county councillor for Fontwell, Derek Whittington, who is also in charge of the county's strategic transport and planning services.

He said: "Cyclists will no longer have to ride on some narrow, winding roads or negotiate busy junctions."

Don Lambert, the secretary of Bognor Regis Cycling Club, said: "I am very pleased this route will be going ahead and I know a lot of other people will be as well.

The idea of a 7km cycleway to enable two-wheel riders to avoid the A29 and the A259 Comet Corner junction was devised by Cllr Whittington when he was the chairman of Eastergate Parish Council in 1996.

But delays in finding the 172,000 needed to create the route, getting permission for it from the landowners on its path and the need to overcome objections from walkers who opposed the necessary changes in public footpaths all saw the years pass by.

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