FURIOUS villagers have drawn up their own plans for a bypass, claiming current plans could “crucify” their home.

Highways England has announced six possible routes for the A27 Arundel Bypass in a bid to ease congestion on the road.

The colour-coded options range from shorter routes alongside the existing A27 to a giant bridge over the village of Binsted.

But campaigners in the area have hit back by proposing their own “Arundel Alternative”, which they claim would be less destructive and still tackle traffic.

The design proposes building a smaller 40mph single carriageway alongside the existing A27.

Kay Wagland, of the South Coast Alliance on Transport and the Environment, said their plan would cut out “pinch points”.

She said of Highways England’s plans: “The new documents show grandiose plans that completely disregard the climate crisis.

“The Royal Town Planning Institute has said everything must be planned from the start so as to be carbon neutral.

“New roads increase traffic, and this increases carbon emissions.”

Bill Treves, who lives in Binsted village, feared his home would be “crucified” if Highways England pursued the “magenta option”.

In those plans, 7.2km of new dual carriageway would be built between Crossbush and Yapton Lane, including a new bridge over the village.

Mr Treves said the plans would “destroy properties left, right and centre”.

“It’s an absurdly massive level of destruction to save just a few minutes’ driving time,” he said.

“No more village, no more community, no more Strawberry Fair, no more Arts Festival, no more pub, no more services in our 12th-century church, no more future, no more hope. “

But a spokesman for Highways England said campaigners’ plans for the “Arundel Alternative” would not be a “viable long-term solution”.

“The A27 is currently operating above capacity,” he said.

“This is the reason a single lane option is not included in the further consultation.

“Upgrading the A27 at Arundel will address one of the worst congestion black spots in the South East.

“It will draw traffic away from smaller, less suitable roads through the South Downs National Park.

“Our consultation sets out six options and explains the benefits of each of them.

“People’s input is vital in helping us find the solution that strikes the right balance.

“All views are welcome, and we promise to respond in detail to all feedback as part of the process, which runs until 24 October.”

The spokesman said any option chosen would go through detailed negotiations before it could gain planning consent.

And it said any woodland destroyed would be replaced.