A proposed link road to reduce city centre congestion in Chichester has been ruled out because it would cost £4.8 million to build.

Plans for the road from Eastgate Square to New Park Road were rejected despite widespread public support.

The road was one of five options drawn up by consultants hired by West Sussex County Council to improve traffic flow on the Eastgate gyratory system.

It won the backing of city councillors, the Chamber of Commerce and a residents' association in the Eastgate area.

Despite the support, the county council cabinet member in charge of highways has rejected it because of the cost.

Councillor Tex Pemberton said the link road was "not deliverable" in the current financial climate.

Instead he has recommended that two cheaper options involving fewer major changes should be developed.

He said public consultation would be carried out before any decisions were made.

The cheaper options are estimated to cost between £500,000 and £600,000.

Most of the bill would be paid with a contribution expected from developers planning to build on the site of a former garage in the Eastgate and Hornet area.

The Eastgate traffic system is one of the most congested in the city at peak times.

A report has described it as being "frustrating and difficult" for cyclists and pedestrians.