Eastergate roundabout safety campaign passes 1,260 signatures as parish council backs residents
A campaign calling for a safer pedestrian crossing at Eastergate’s War Memorial Roundabout has passed 1,260 signatures, with residents securing unanimous support from Barnham & Eastergate Parish Council.
The campaign was launched in September, quickly gaining momentum as residents raised concerns about pedestrian safety at the busy junction of Barnham Road and Fontwell Avenue. By the end of the month, the petition had already surpassed 1,000 signatures.
The petition, launched by local father David Claydon, has attracted support from residents across Eastergate, Barnham and Fontwell, who are calling for a dedicated zebra crossing and wider improvements to make the junction safer.
Concerns include heavy traffic, HGV movements, restricted visibility and narrow footways, with the roundabout also used by children travelling to Ormiston Six Villages Academy and Eastergate Primary School.
Campaigners also raised concerns about repeated damage to the village's historic war memorial, which stands at the centre of the roundabout.
Having passed the 1,000-signature milestone by September 30, campaigners continued to press West Sussex County Council for improvements.
At the time, the county council confirmed that a Community Highways Scheme application for a crossing point on Barnham Road was under review. Officers also said wider requests for pedestrian improvements at the roundabout would be considered as part of a comprehensive assessment of the junction.
Now, the campaign has received further backing after residents presented their petition at a packed Barnham & Eastergate Parish Council meeting on Tuesday evening.
Councillors unanimously acknowledged and supported the principles of the petition and resolved to write to West Sussex County Council to investigate what funding arrangements might be available.
This includes potential developer contributions intended to mitigate the impact of new housing developments on local highways.
The matter has also been referred to a parish council committee for further consideration, with councillors indicating they were minded to support a Community Highways Scheme application.
Campaigners are now urging West Sussex County Council and Arun District Council to work with local representatives to identify funding for a dedicated pedestrian crossing.
David Claydon said: "We are incredibly grateful to Barnham & Eastergate Parish Council and local councillors for standing alongside residents on this vital issue. Passing 1,200 signatures demonstrates just how deeply the community cares about getting a safe crossing sorted.
"With traffic levels increasing from ongoing development in the Six Villages, the need for safe pedestrian infrastructure at the War Memorial Roundabout is urgent.
"We look forward to supporting the Parish Council, West Sussex County Council, and Arun District Council in identifying funding to make this essential crossing a reality."
The campaign team will continue gathering support ahead of Barnham & Eastergate Parish Council's Community Engagement event on November 18, where local highway priorities will be discussed.
Residents can sign the petition at change.org/zebras4eastergate .