VILLAGERS are fighting against a new bypass.

Over 400 people joined the protest at the recreation ground in Walberton near Fontwell to voice their feelings against the proposed bypass route for the A27 Arundel bypass.

People from Arundel, Tortington, Ford, Binsted, Walberton and Fontwell say they are angry at the “lack of clarity and consistency” in National Highways’ answers to their questions.

Some people say they have been left frustrated and “almost in tears” attending consultation events which have highlighted the scale of the proposals.

On Sunday, the group used a drone to capture the numbers of people who opposed current plans. One of the main concerns is how close the bypass is to nearby schools.

Out of six options considered, the current “grey route” is the only one which does not involve plans to build on the South Downs, which the authority wants to avoid if possible.

However, people in Walberton and Binsted want it to be moved further away from Walberton and Binsted Primary School, Walberton Play Centre, Walberton Pre-School and Walberton Toddler playgroup as it sits less than 200 metres from the proposed route.

The Argus: All pictures from James de Bounevialle and Matilda TristramAll pictures from James de Bounevialle and Matilda Tristram

National Highways said it encourages people to “have their say” and said it is interested in all views regarding the bypass.

Sally Ward, the main organiser of the event, said she was “thrilled with the turnout” of people coming from so many different villages to object to current plans.

She added: “Now the consultation has started, more people are realising the tremendous holes in the arguments for the road. With this many people following us we will plan more events to demonstrate the strength of opposition.”

Helen Bates, who lives in the area, said: “We want to try and make the Government sit up and take notice – with COP26 agreements, levelling up promises, post Covid expenses and decreases in traffic on this road, what is the justification for it?

“It was inspiring today to see the community out in force showing real energy, passion and honesty compared to the "corporate" National Highways consultation event yesterday (Saturday, January 22) which felt utterly inauthentic, flawed and tick box.

“National Highways would like us to think this is a done deal - it isn’t. We are hopeful, positive and determined to stop this road destroying Walberton.”

The Argus: People gathered in their droves on Sunday - All pictures from James de Bounevialle and Matilda TristramPeople gathered in their droves on Sunday - All pictures from James de Bounevialle and Matilda Tristram

Andrew Jackson, National Highways senior project manager, said: "We started the A27 Arundel Bypass statutory consultation earlier this month, and we encourage people to have their say.

“We are of course interested in all views, and if people have any concerns I encourage them to feed them back to us through the consultation."

The SAB Alliance is formed of all interested local groups across the area covered by the route – Walberton Friends and Neighbours, Arundel Bypass Neighbourhood Committee, Arundel SCATE and Arun Countryside Trust.

The current consultation is ending on March 8 with the start of work planned for next year.

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