Arundel schoolchildren call on councillors to support safe pathway

Pupils from Arundel CE Primary School and St Philips Catholic Primary School presented a petition in support of the pathway to councillor Shaun Gunner, leader of Arun District Council, and councillor Joy Dennis, cabinet member for highways at West Sussex County Council.

They were joined by the Arundel mayor, Tony Hunt, and Arundel and South Downs MP Andrew Griffith, in the Town Hall.

The schoolchildren arrived with colourful posters illustrating the need for a safe pathway for both cyclists and pedestrians, and read out statements about why the route was needed.

Both councillors confirmed their support for the pathway and councillor Dennis informed the children that the pathway is 'one of the top priorities for the county council'.

Mr Griffith was one of 56 community leaders who signed a letter of support for the project following the publication of the Town Council’s report: ‘Arundel to Ford Station Cycle and Walking Route: Making Cycling and Walking Safer’, in February 2021.

He said: “The children delivered their presentations with great confidence.

"It is ultimately for their benefit that we all want to see the Arundel to Ford route made safer with a new pathway for walking and cycling.

“The schools have an important part to play as voices in our community, and it is great to see the children getting involved.”