Footpath revamp in Felpham likely to get approval

The width of the route between the village and the A259 will be doubled to two metres if councillors agree.

The county council's rights of way committee meets on Monday to discuss a recommendation for the work.

A report to the committee members by council infrastructure officials Tony Toynton and Andy Ekinsmyth says: "The proposal to widen and improve this footpath is enthusiasically supported locally.

"The improvement will significantly contribute to wider accessibility, particularly for pupils and wheelchair and buggy users, and increase the value of recent works to improve the footpath north of the A259."

The footpath stretches for about 400m north from the village through the grounds of St Mary's Church and past allotments to a pelican crossing on the A259 Felpham Way.

The path within the churchyard is on land owned by the Diocese of Chichester and north of this is owned by a Mrs Lyons and let to a farmer.

Both landowners have given permission for the path to be widened onto their property.

Mr Toynton and Mr Akinsmyth state the path's conditon will be improved when the widening takes place. Some shrubs and trees will have to be removed.

But a stone at the churchyard boundary will have to stay because it is a scheduled monument. The path will be widened around it.

But the overall effect will be to create a more pleasant walking route to Felpham Community College and Downview Primary School on the other side of the A259.

Wheelchair users and mothers with pushchairs will also be more easily able to use the path.

Backing has come from the college, the school and Felpham Parish Council. Its members have agreed to provide 3,000 of the overall cost.

Only one residential property backs on to the footpath. Its

occupier raised no objection to the scheme.

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