THE leaders of Adur District and Worthing Borough councils welcomed the news that the Transport Secretary would look again at options to upgrade the A27 through Worthing and Lancing.

Both local authorities have been leading the way in standing up for residents and criticising Highways England’s single option to improve the road.

Chris Grayling has now said he wants to see all of the options on the table before Highways England makes an announcement on its recommended way forward.

Councillor Neil Parkin, leader of Adur District Council, and councillor Dan Humphreys, leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “While we are still waiting to hear back personally from the transport secretary, we welcome this initial statement. The plans presented by Highways England were derisory and in no way would improve any aspect of life across our areas.

“We hope this is a signal of intent that Mr Grayling is to look again at all options and urge him to allocate appropriate funds to deliver a long-term and lasting solution.

“We also want to reiterate our invitation for the secretary and his team to visit the area so Mr Grayling can fully understand the day-to-day problems first-hand.”

In a letter to Tim Loughton and Sir Peter Bottomley, the area’s MPs, Mr Grayling said: “It would appear the current scheme does not have the support of the local council, business or community, as they want a better scheme for their area.”