20mph campaign for Midhurst and Easebourne gathers speed

He is now planning to speak to Easebourne parish councillors, the South Downs National Park Authority, Midhurst Primary School, Midhurst Rother Academy, Midhurst Vision Group, the Cowdray Estate and others to gain their support for the campaign.

“I want to try to engage their support and take their opinions to devise an acceptable scheme and plan for a campaign,” said Mr Field, who is the newest member of Midhurst Town Council.

He is currently converting a Midhurst ‘20 is Plenty’ website with the help of the national campaign. And already there is an email address at [email protected] which can be used by members of the public to air their views.

“I would then return to Midhurst Town Council to hopefully get their backing and then launch a campaign.” He said Rod King, founder of the 20sPlenty organisation was speaking in Chichester at the invitation of the Chichester campaign on March 16.

“This will be an inspiring event for anyone interested in this issue and a great chance to help formulate our ideas. It is important to understand there is no campaign at present: We want to spend time designing a good plan.

He said he acknowledged that much of the speed limit would affect the main A272 and A286 roads. “I believe we should not be put off by this. Maybe the ‘Big Society’ ideas will help if there is sufficient community desire.”

“We don’t want to fill the town with signs, humps, width restrictions as a consequence of a 20sPlenty initiative,” said Mr Field, but he warned: “A scheme cannot be imposed ‘from above’.

“The community has to want it. I would hope that a successful scheme would release greater community spirit and pride.”