Legal wrangles continue over crisis-hit major West Sussex road

The A29 at Church Hill in Pulborough was closed in December 2022 after a landslide which led to chaos in the village with traffic snarl-ups, safety fears and a loss of trade for local businesses.

The road remained shut for months before finally reopening to single-lane traffic – controlled by traffic lights – in April 2023. But frustrations remain over the on-going disruption.

Many people have taken to social media outlining their views. One said: “The road must be cleared and reopened. It’s ridiculous to have a major A-road closed like this.”

Another told of an incident where a large lorry with a mobile home on the back tried to get through the single-lane and had to reverse, forcing all other traffic behind it to reverse. “What a nightmare.”

Another resident said: “I'm concerned there will be a serious injury soon if the big overhanging trees aren't dealt with.”

However, West Sussex County Council says it cannot take any action yet because of legalities. It served legal notices on two landowners where the landslide happened requiring necessary works to be carried out to both private embankments at Church Hill.

But the landowners have appealed to magistrates against the notices and the outcome of the appeals is still awaited.

A council spokesperson said: “We share residents’ frustrations on the slow progress regarding the works needed at Church Hill in Pulborough following the landslip.

"It is not safe to fully reopen the road until these works are carried out to both private embankments. This is why we installed traffic lights and concrete blocks to allow single-file traffic and bring some normality back to the community in Pulborough.

Have you read? New Italian eatery opens in village near Horsham

People asked to vote on how Horsham’s new ‘People’s Budget’ should be spent

“The county council has engaged regularly with the landowners to set out the works needed, at the council’s expense, but, unfortunately, they have so far not given permission.

“We await the outcome of pending appeals to the magistrates’ courts from the notices served on the two landowners. Meanwhile, the council is committed to exploring all options, including continuing to engage with the landowners.”