Future threatened

The first comes next month with Courtwick. Then North Littlehampton and, I now read, a new supermarket. Without any doubt, all these schemes (and any similar schemes still to emerge) are hugely detrimental to all Littlehampton residents.

I want to concentrate on one aspect – roads, ignoring the A27. I hope this is resolved and a proper Arundel bypass built – eventually!

The A259 and Lyminster Road are the only routes in and out of Littlehampton. The former is already woefully inadequate; the latter a pretty country lane! Together they cannot possibly deal with higher traffic levels generated by developments.

All the developments rely on joining the A259 at new or heavily modified junctions. It is blindingly obvious that the A259 will become a car park on a regular basis - perhaps Arun could install parking meters to make more money? Only by reducing, or not increasing junctions, can traffic flow properly.

The A259 must become a dual carriageway. It is easier getting to Rustington from The Body Shop roundabout. Only when the dual carriageway ends is there congestion. That surely speaks for itself!

I estimate that around 3/4,000 extra cars a day (plus 300 every hour for the supermarket) will join the A259 between Tesco and The Body Shop. How? Piggy-back? Sadly, it will not be a joke for residents! It will be an unmitigated disaster for the future prospects of the town.

Arun puts huge importance on the new Lyminster bypass. It is vital there is a major north-south route, but the proposed road is in the wrong place and only 7m wide – a side road! The developer suggests it consulted the council before finalising its plans. Who did the developer contact – the cleaner?

This road must also be a dual carriageway – right to Crossbush!

Cynically, the developer must be delighted it can build a good road into its site using money that should be used for infrastructure improvements.

I’m sure some will bemoan my suggestions. Get real! The car is here to stay for years in some form or other. No sensible alternative has ever come forward. Therefore, for all our benefits, traffic must move as quickly as possible. It is also a greener solution than copious traffic jams.

Residents must vehemently object to ALL these developments.

Ray Blunt

Linnet Close

Wick