Bognor residents' concerns 'ignored'

A new local transport plan being devised by the county council was this week branded as 'not fit for purpose' during a meeting of Arun District Council's cabinet committee on Monday evening.

Earlier this month a series of roadshows asking people to consider issues such as bus frequency, cars on the road and pollution, took place as part of a major consultation exercise for West Sussex County Council's West Sussex Transport Plan, which will act as a blueprint for transport in West Sussex from 2011 to 2026.

Councillor Ricky Bower, who is in charge of the council's planning services, said the county needed to think again.

"The consultation has resulted in a lack of clarity, it is based on national policy that is outdated and not relevant," he told the meeting.

"The consultation has ignored groups of road users, it also continues to refer to the defunct South East Plan, using it to underpin many of its conclusions."

Cllr Bower said that the current plan should be withdrawn as it was out of keeping with the current government's agenda which was now focusing on the idea of 'localism' and giving power back to the people.

He said: "It is my understanding that the new government is not anti-car, which is what is in this plan, and there is no inclusion of road users' satisfaction within the responses. For that reason I believe this needs to go back to the drawing board."

At the meeting held on Monday night, members decided they would not make any comment on the consultation until details about funding cuts from the government's spending review were received.

Council leader Gill Brown said: "There is considerable uncertainty at the moment, especially about funding. Other authorities have sent in similar letters. The county's report does not fit in with the new thinking but just continued with it as it is."

Earlier this month concern regarding the organisation of a roadshow held at Bognor Town Hall was raised during a meeting of Aldingbourne Parish Council.

Chairwoman Mary West said: "Myself and other members of the council went along to the consultation at Bognor Town Hall and it was not a sensible choice of venue.

"It was right in the foyer and made it hard for people to get through. It was also difficult for the people trying to view the displays."

Proposals for a Bognor Regis transport plan were due to be discussed at a public meeting of the Joint Western Arun Area Committee at The Royal Norfolk Hotel, last night.

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