Safe Paths
1. Mixed Use Path Between Asda (Ferring) And Roundstone Roundabout On The A259
This is the path between Asda (Ferring) and Roundstone roundabout on the A259. Over time these paths have disappeared to a fraction of their original size. In the photo you will see a shot of a retired gentleman called Ken who I met on my way home a few days ago clearing the path by himself for the benefit of others. Ken cycles here with his gardening tools whenever he can spare some time. He’s being doing this for several weeks now and I believe he deserves our support. So please I’m asking you to contact West Sussex Highways on 01243 642105 or via the website http://love.westsussex.gov.uk to make a complaint as they are responsible for maintaining this and the path below.
I have already complained to the council and the next day (22 February 2018) I got this response from Matt Southern .....voicemail message
I actually got to speak to Matt Southern a week or so later. Again he believed there was no action required NOT because of resources but because the path seemed fine to him. Though I explained my concerns and the problems cyclists and pedestrians encountered (esp overtaking eachother) using this path he could not understand what the problem was though he conceded he would have another look. That was then and have not heard anything. Perhaps they are waiting for someone to have an accident before they'll do something!
I wouldn't like to speculate on his idea of what actually constitutes a safe shared path for walkers and cyclists who use this section between Asda, Ferring and the Roundstone roundabout. All the Highways official had to do was walk the cycle/pedestrian path to see the challenges posed when encountering other users.
I've made this website as I was blown away by Ken's selfless act and in contrast annoyed at this West Sussex Highways Officer's response. Ken has also pointed out that the path has been somewhat damaged by being overlaid by soil for so long. Maintaining this path is in everyones interest considering the investment that was made in building this path in the first place.
Ken Skilton, returning the path to it's original width and has now been completed with the help of volunteers Rob and Duncan who helped during their lunch breaks.
Representative condition of the path presenting a challenge for walkers & cyclists before Ken started.
You can see the difference it's made to this path by Ken's efforts. It's now a pleasure to use and as you may now know he and his helpers have finished this path. Unfortunately you will also see the soil has caused some damage to the path. I don't know how much this cost to lay but surely it's a lot more than the cost to maintain once a year. It's not a big ask is it?
2. The Disappearing Cycle Path Along the A259 By The Lees & Sainsburys, Rustington
For those of us that use this path this is in even worse condition. Passing is impossible in places and so cyclists are forced to either dismount or cycle on the pedestrian path when they encounter another cyclist. Then there are the rotten leaves at the end of the cycle path at Station Rd, Angmering which in the wet are a major slip hazard. Again another cycle path being allowed to go to rack and ruin having had zero maintenance for several years. HOW CAN MATT SOUTHERN OF SUSSEX HIGHWAYS SAYS THIS PATH IS ADEQUATE FOR CYCLISTS?? Cyclists frequently have to jump on to the pedestrian path when they encounter fellow cyclists.
PLEASE MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD AND DON'T PUT UP WITH THIS POOR EXCUSE OF A CYCLE PATH. PLEASE VOICE YOUR CONCERNS USING THE CONTACTS BELOW:
Drop me an email ... intel4004u@gmail.com
The county councillor ( www.writeToThem.com ) for this area is.... Councillor Dan Purchese (Liberal Democrat ) cllr.dan.purchese@arun.gov.uk
https://www.fixmystreet.com/ & https://www.cyclescape.org/
West Sussex Highways, make a complaint on 01243 642105 or via the website http://love.westsussex.gov.uk
Ken has asked that if anyone wishes they can make donations to 5th Littlehampton Sea Scouts for the work he has done. Hope to have further information on how best to do this. Please check back later.
DONATIONS: 5th Littlehampton Sea Scouts ... http://www.5thseascouts.co.uk/