COUNCIL leaders are calling for a visit from the Transport Secretary in a bid for long-term improvements for the A27.

It comes as Adur District Council leader Neil Parkin and Worthing Borough Council leader Dan Humphreys opposed plans to revamp part of the major road which runs through the west of the county.

Highways England unveiled just one £69 million option to try to combat congestion on the stretch through Lancing and Worthing. But, in a letter sent yesterday to Chris Grayling, the leaders rejected the proposal and are calling for the Government to do more to improve the road.

They said the congestion hampers the economy and causes “major misery” and ill health for those who face journey times of more than an hour to travel just a few miles, urging him to visit the area to see the problems.

The letter said: “We believe the proposal is inadequate, that Highways England has not taken the time to understand the function of the A27 and that the funding envelope for these improvements needs to be significantly increased to address the long-term infrastructure needs of our communities.

“We will not rest until a lasting solution that delivers real benefits is put forward.To build the hundreds of homes and create the commercial space for world-class industries to flourish, a long-term solution for our major trunk road is needed.”