New Comet corner improvements bid for Bognor

A renewed pledge has been made by a senior councillor to campaign for improvements at a Middleton busy road junction.

Cllr Paul Wotherspoon, Middleton Parish Council's chairman, used his annual report to re-affirm its commitment to safety work being carried out there.

He said: "A primary objective of the parish council, to which it is absolutely commited, is to achieve major junction improvements at Comet Corner, whether by traffic signals or a roundabout.

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"It had always been hoped that this would be achieved before 2011 when a major increase in traffic levels is expected with the completion of the site six development (at Flansham and North Bersted) and relief road.

"Clearly, that is not going to happen, given the lack of funding, although improvements on the south side of the junction are most likely to proceed before 2011. This will only be a partial solution and the parish council, therefore, remains fully committed to major junction improvements when funding permits.

"It remains vigilant and will be monitoring the impact of the site six development very closely."

Cllr Wotherspoon paid tribute to fellow councillors, Richard Jeffrey and Nicky Mills, for attending meetings about the site six scheme for 700 homes in Felpham.

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The campaign for improvements at Comet Corner, where Yapton Road meets the A259, arose from the death of a Middleton man in a car crash five years ago this summer.

Cllr Wotherspoon continued that another traffic issue about which the parish council was deeply concerned was the installation of pedestrian crossings.

Its members wanted the road safety measures to be placed next to the One Stop shop in Elmer Road and at Flansham Park.

Promises made last year had failed to be fulfilled, he complained.

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However, a meeting in Elmer Road had been held between three representatives of the parish council, county council highways officers and county councillor Christina Freeman.

This session ended in agreement that a zebra crossing was feasible at the location at a likely cost of 25,000-30,000.

"It was also agreed that a crossing can be installed within 12 months, once funding has been agreed.

"This is the key issue which can only be unlocked by West Sussex County Council," Cllr Wotherspoon stressed.

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"County councillor Christina Freeman has committed herself to trying to find the funding and I sincerely hope she can achieve this in the very near future."

Another longstanding worry, along the coast, Cllr Wotherspoon noted was the continued concerns about the sea defences along the greensward.

Regular contact is maintained with the Middleton-on-Sea Association, district councillor Barbara Oakley and Arun District Council to at least stabilise the situation before government funding becomes available to make lasting repairs.

The past year has seen the parish council pledge a further 10,000 to improve the Larksfield skate park as well as obtain funding for a kickwall on Shrubbs Field.

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Cllr Wotherspoon used his report to pay tribute to those who work behind the scenes to ensure the playing field is maintained as a focal point for the parish.

He also thanked parish councillors who filled roles, such as monitoring public footpaths, for the benefit of residents.

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