Business people are calling for better investment in a road with several bottlenecks.

Sussex Enterprise, which represents firms across the county, welcomed the news that the Highways Agency is to create a new shared cycle path and footpath at the A27 Berwick roundabout, near Alfriston.

But it warned that progress also needed to be made on large schemes such as the Beddingham level crossing and improvements around Arundel and Worthing.

Mark Froud, chief executive of Sussex Enterprise, said "The area around Alfriston is very popular with walkers because the countryside is so beautiful. It is extremely difficult for ramblers to cross the A27 safely as there is fast-flowing traffic and few pedestrian crossings. We welcome anything that will improve the safety of our roads.

"However, improvements at Berwick will not go far to solve the bigger problem of traffic on the A27.

"There are significant bottlenecks around Arundel, Worthing and at the Beddingham level crossing, where traffic regularly comes to a standstill.

"Results from our Voice of Business survey in 2004 show that six out of ten businesses in Sussex who responded feel the road network in the county does not serve their needs.

"We would encourage the Highways Agency to invest in further improvements on the A27 as business is crying out for them."

The Highways Agency will be carrying out work at Berwick roundabout for seven weeks from Monday.

The foot and cycle path will be removed from around the roundabout and in its place a wider path will be built to create a shared foot and cycle path.

A pedestrian crossing will also be installed.

A spokeswoman said the Highways Agency could not comment on the plans for Beddingham because there is going to be a public inquiry.

Friday, September 23 2005