Busy main road in Bognor Regis ‘in dire need’ of improvements

Matt Stanley (Lib Dem), Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Technical Services, has written to the county council over concerns about Lower Bognor Road.

“As a former Aldwick resident who regularly commuted to Chichester I understand only too well both the current and historic challenges our residents face using this road,” Mr Stanley said.

“With children returning to school the flow of traffic for Chichester Free School will again fully return. 

“Combined with the potential residential developments in Pagham and West Bersted, this road is only going to get more congested and is in dire need of some long term investment.”

However, Mr Stanley said resurfacing works should be the short-term priority, with road markings ‘barely visible’ and fallen traffic signs needing replacing. 

He also said drainage ‘needs to be looked at’ with a number of areas prone to flooding. 

He added: “There are things we need to do straight away. West Sussex County Council have the funding for highways improvements so I can’t see why that can’t be addressed now. 

“Neither the West Bersted masterplan or residential development in Pagham have shown any planned real works to Lower Bognor Road. 

“Both developers seem to feel that commuters will migrate to the A259 but, in my experience, that’s just not the case. 

“It’s an extremely well used main local road, especially with the amount of residents potentially on both developments.

“I don’t think it’s really coping with the traffic its got at the minute.” 

Councillor Stanley said he is keen to hear from residents and urged them to share their concerns.

A spokesperson for West Sussex County Council said: “If residents have concerns about a road, the best way to report this is online – go to our website at www.westsussex.gov.uk and search for ‘report a problem with a road or pavement’.

“If residents would like us to consider improvements, and have the support of the wider community and their local county councillor, they can apply for a community highways scheme, with more details also available on our website.”

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