Campaign to improve ‘maybe the most dangerous stretch of road in Worthing’

A Worthing pensioner has embarked on a campaign to improve what ‘may be the most dangerous stretch of road in Worthing’.
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Barry Burks, 74, successfully lobbied West Sussex County Council into installing a footpath near his home in Titnore Lane last year, following a three-year campaign.

Now, the retired electrical engineer is pushing for three more safety improvements – a curb on heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), a 40mph speed limit and a new pedestrian crossing.

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“HGVs make this road an absolute nightmare to cross, it’s dangerous,” said Barry, who has lived in Titnore Lane since 2016.

Jean and Barry Burks (right) are campaigning to have HGVs banned from Titnore Lane, a 40mph limit introduced and a road crossing put in. Pictured here with Sean McDonald, County and Borough Councillor. Pic Steve Robards SR2102151 SUS-210215-192229001Jean and Barry Burks (right) are campaigning to have HGVs banned from Titnore Lane, a 40mph limit introduced and a road crossing put in. Pictured here with Sean McDonald, County and Borough Councillor. Pic Steve Robards SR2102151 SUS-210215-192229001
Jean and Barry Burks (right) are campaigning to have HGVs banned from Titnore Lane, a 40mph limit introduced and a road crossing put in. Pictured here with Sean McDonald, County and Borough Councillor. Pic Steve Robards SR2102151 SUS-210215-192229001

“You get them coming round the corner over the other side of the road, you’ve got children, dog walkers and elderly people struggling to get across.”

He said the road should never have been classified as an A-road – the A2700 – but retained the 40mph limit of a C-class road.

There have been 20 accidents over the last five years, he added, which usually end in the road being blocked or ‘heartache’.

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Its narrow 7.1m width also makes it inappropriate for HGVs and coaches over 3.5 tonnes, Barry has argued.

They overlap as they come rounds bends and damage the tarmac, he said, and instead should be diverted along the A259 and A280. A northbound entrance could still allow them to serve local businesses.

With heavy vehicles travelling at high speeds, Barry said pedestrians were also forced to cross through a hole in a hedge.

Instead, a crossing is needed between Northbrook Rec and the business Eurogreen, he argued.

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Barry has prepared a 70-page report and a petition that already has 130 positive responses in just over a week. He needs over 200 to take it to West Sussex County Council.

His proposal has gained the support of Worthing West MP Sir Peter Bottomley, who said it ‘may be the most dangerous stretch of road in Worthing’.

He said the road should be safe for walkers, cyclists and horse riders as well as larger vehicles.

Its unexpected bends and uneven surface meant the safe speed for some parts of the road is more like 30mph, he added.

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“Without action, I predict sadly lives will be lost unnecessarily,” said Sir Peter.

County councillor Sean McDonald has also backed the plan and argued Titnore Lane was no longer a quiet country lane, particularly with new estates springing up in Northbrook ward.

To support the petition, email Barry Burks at [email protected]