Midhurst Greenway plans divide public opinion

The proposal would see the footway widened so wheelchair and mobility scooter users, and people on bikes, can share the path with pedestrians.

Proposals were made available to view by the general public on Friday at the Grange Centre in Midhurst with residents being able to express their views and opinions on the proposal.

Gordon McAra, district councillor for Midhurst believes that these plans will be a detriment to the local community.

He said: “As I understand it, West Sussex County Council is spending £350,000 on a stretch of cycleway in Midhurst to attract further Government’s cycleway grants, to be located elsewhere in the County.

“In doing this they are required to apply Government cycleway standards.

“Unfortunately, these simply do not work in a town setting where a busy local path and recreation area are involved.

“The path, currently four feet will be widened to ten feet, over soft damp ground.

“The small wooden bridge at the pond widened to a sort of cycling dual carriage way of 13 feet and the whole path driven through a busy recreation area where residents sit and watch the world go by.

“I’m not sure what they will think about the ensuing displays of Lycra but the many ducks who also use the area are unlikely to be impressed.

“WSCC admit to having no research on either the parks’ usage or how many cyclists they are expecting but seem to be keen to plonk this almighty tarmacked scheme on a tranquil park in the middle of Midhurst so they can open the door to grants elsewhere in the County.

“As you can imagine, this has gone down like a deflated tyre in Midhurst.

“Given the recent WSCC designed cyclist route at Northgate in Chichester, a predictable car crash if ever, I have considerable doubts about their approach to cycleways.”

Initial proposals for The Midhurst Greenway, shared, off-road path went on display in The Willow Room at The Grange Centre in Midhurst on Friday, February 4 and Midhurst resident Philippa McCollough believes that the plans will allow the town to keep its ‘innate character.’

She said: “The proposed Midhurst Greenway provides the opportunity to travel from one side of Midhurst to other parts of Midhurst and Easebourne without getting in a car. 
“It will mean a new crossing on New Road and it seems that many residents in Holmbush and Little Midhurst are likely to welcome it. Children in those areas could cycle to school more safely.

“It does mean widening the existing paths and some changes to the South Pond area.

“Consideration has been given to these issues in discussion with the South Pond group and other interested parties and hopefully the public consultation will enable other questions and concerns to be raised and possible solutions sought.

“If done sensitively it should be possible to have a shared path through South Pond whilst retaining quieter spaces.

“This much loved area can have change and be enjoyed by more people without losing it’s innate character.

“Midhurst is dominated by cars and lorries. Having a quiet, scenic and pollution free route for pedestrians, cyclists, mobility scooters, runners and pushchairs seems like a great aspiration for a forward looking town, which could now come to fruition.

Dr Kate Kelly also believes the Greenway plans will be a benefit for the town.

She said: “The Midhurst Greenway is a real opportunity to make it easier for everyone to be able to make more short journeys on foot or bike out of the way of cars and pollution.

“The next phase of the Greenway will involve an extension to Easebourne meaning there will be an opportunity to cross the whole of the town off road getting access to different places all over the town without travelling in a car.

“This is an exciting future for Midhurst.

“The pelican crossing on New Road outside the fire station will make it easier for everyone to cross safely and make their way into town.

“The Jubilee path section needs to have a surface that is more sensitive to its rural setting and I have talked to the officers at WSCC about this.

“My view regarding the large replacement bridge is that this should be part of a later phase – for now they should use the existing bridge until it needs replacement then look at one that is compliant with all path users.

“I do think the area round the pond is really important and all views need to be taken in to account here especially the South Pond group who work so hard to make this area so lovely.

“I hope with a new appropriate surface near the pond that the drainage can be improved and that we can all share this space young and old, taking care of each other and not forgetting the ducks and geese!”

If you would like to give your feedback about the proposal visit yourvoice.westsussex.gov.uk from January 31 to February 25.

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