‘Urgent’ action needed to help save Arundel

ARUNDEL’S MP has called for urgent action by highways chiefs to speed up roadworks on the A27 at Crossbush which have had a serious effect on some businesses in the town.

Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert said he was “appalled” at the state of the roadworks at the A27 Crossbush interchange, which have caused massive tailbacks leading to delays of up to two hours for motorists.

The work is being blamed for big dip in takings for some businesses in Arundel, with reports of a slump of almost 70 per cent, in the space of a week.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Herbert called on both the Highways Agency and the transport minister, Mike Penning, to take “urgent action” to help save the town’s now-endangered economy.

The MP, who visited the site of the roadworks, on Friday (March 16), alongside the town’s district councillor, Paul Dendle and businessman James Stewart, said: “The A27 was meant to be a coastal highway. We can not allow it to become a coastal car park.

“The sheer volume of congested traffic is appalling. During the rush hour it must be horrendous.

“I believe it is because of this that people are avoiding the A27 through Arundel and consequently, they are avoiding shopping and staying in the town.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“This is having a serious and palpable affect on all the traders in the town that, if continued, could see the closure of some of Arundel’s businesses.

“Urgent action is needed to prevent this.”

James Stewart, co-chairman of Arundel Chamber of Commerce, who also runs the Zimmer Stewart Gallery, in Tarrant Street, voiced his concern for the town’s future during the meeting with the MP.

He said: “The castle is about to open and we have the Easter holidays coming up soon.

“Instead of building up for the prospect of increased business, traders are having to cut staff and batten down the hatches.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Stewart called for more signs to inform motorists that Arundel was still open for business.

He hoped that the Highways Agency would do more to speed up the works, which are expected to last until the end of April, and that officials could look at alternative routes to be used to relieve the stress on the heavily-congested road, during peak times.

Mr Herbert has now asked the Highways Agency whether the work could be done at night and has appealed for more signs to be placed at strategic points to reassure potential visitors that Arundel is still open for business.

He has also drafted a letter to the transport minister, urging him to try to increase the manpower on the site.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A spokesman from the Highways Agency said that alternative diversion signs were in place and that more “business open as usual” signs would be supplied and located in more strategic locations in Arundel and on the A284 approach from Littlehampton.

However, the agency said that it would not be possible for the roadworks to be done at night but that it would attempt to speed up the works.

He said: “We expect to be able to remove all restrictions in time for the Easter weekend. We have taken action to improve traffic flows and are pleased to report a marked improvement. We are continuing to work very hard to keep delays to an absolute minimum while we carry out these essential improvements. We will continue to closely monitor traffic flow and make any adjustments needed.”