Parking rethink as Southwater dino park work begins

Horsham District Council has begun work to build the £179,000 Dinosaur Island Adventure Playground and is now working with Southwater Parish Council and West Sussex County Council to improve car parking arrangements in and around the park.

The proposals involve putting double yellow lines on sections of both sides of Station Road and at the Station Road junctions with Lakeside Drive, Little Bridges Close and Cripplegate Lane.

A spokesman for Southwater Parish Council said: “Southwater Parish Council has been working with the County and District Councils for several years now to try to resolve parking issues around the junction of Station Road and Cripplegate Lane.

“During busy periods in Southwater Country Park, inconsiderate parking causes access issues for properties in the area, and pavements are blocked forcing pedestrians to walk in the road.

“Since these discussions commenced, the new Dinosaur Island play park at Southwater Country Park was announced. Further improvements to parking in and around the Country Park are planned, including improvements to the Mill Straight and Ben’s Field car parks.

“The Parish Council will continue to liaise with other authorities to ensure that Dinosaur Island is a resounding success, providing even better facilities for local residents.”

In the park the former play area has now been closed off for safety reasons while the works are carried out. The rest of the park is open for business as usual.

The district council will carry out drainage and general ground works before Christmas, with the construction of the main play facilities being installed in the New Year and an official opening in Easter 2015.

The parking improvements are planned to be in place by June 2015 ready for the busy summer period. The county council is inviting comments about the parking restrictions. Go to www.west sussex.gov.uk and search for Traffic Regulation Orders.

People are also being encouraged to share with the council any ideas about how the facilities at the country park can be improved. Email [email protected] to take part.