Dedicated to the ones we love

Chris Purdie and Lynda Gutierrez cut the ribbon to open the bridge and dedicated it to the memories of all those who had died at the accident blackspot by Boundstone Community College over the last 30 years.

Mrs Gutierrez lost her daughter, Lyn, after an accident in December, 1993.

She said: "I have heard this bridge described as a monstrosity. The only monstrosity is the number of people who died before it was built. Please use this bridge and do not abuse it."

Mrs Purdie said her son, Scott, was 13 when he was killed in February, 1997. He was the 10th person to die on this particular part of the A27 in a period of 11 years.

She said she hoped the bridge would be a monument to everyone who had died there in accidents.

"I hope I can speak for all the families. We have paid the highest price. It is a price we are going to be paying for the rest of our lives."

The footbridge, built by the Highways Agency, cost 1million, and replaced a pedestrian crossing, which has now been removed. High metal fences have also been put in the centre of the dual-carriageway, to stop people running across the road.

MP Tim Loughton said it was a day of mixed emotions and added: "What I think is really good about what has happened is it's here, it's working and it will be a testament to those who lost their lives."

Mr Loughton said he first raised the possibility of a bridge over the A27 in Parliament in June, 1998, and told road ministers that on average, a pupil would cross that road 3,000 times while they were at Boundstone Community College and something had to be done about it.

He added: "I think the bridge also links Lancing and Sompting together and it now means people can walk between north Lancing and south Lancing without having to dice with death to get to school or to the shops."

Ing Fischer, from the Highways Agency, said the bridge could be used by pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair-users.

Roads Minister Stephen Ladyman commented: "I would like to pass on my personal condolences to the family and friends of those who have lost loved ones on this stretch of road and I very much hope the new footbridge will improve safety for pedestrians crossing the A27."