Resurfacing of A283 ‘not fit for purpose’ between Storrington and Washington

JPCT 180215 S15071677x Philip Circus and Washington parish councillors have concern at road repairs and excessive lighting on Washington Road near Storrington -photo by Steve Cobb SUS-150218-114140001

As part of the 78-home Millford Grange development currently under construction the developers are implementing changes to the road layout.

However Philip Circus, a Horsham district and West Sussex county councillor, has written to Barratt Homes demanding they hand over the resurfacing work to the county council.

Mr Circus said: “I have received endless complaints about the very bumpy surfacing of the road outside the Barratt’s development. My residents have suffered extensive delays and now the prospect of even more delays for the road to be resurfaced and they will have to experience a very bumpy ride in the meantime.”

A spokesperson for West Sussex County Council said: “The road surfacing recently laid in Washington Road, Storrington by Barratt Homes’ sub-contractor has been condemned by the county council because it is not fit for purpose. After investigating the problem, the county council has asked the developer to remove and replace the defective surfacing at the earliest opportunity.”

John Cover, Barratt Homes technical director, said:“We’re working very closely with West Sussex County Council to get the problems with the initial resurfacing materials resolved as quickly as possible but we recognise residents’ frustration.

“We’ll continue to work with local councillors and the community and appreciate their understanding while construction is taking place.”

A spokesperson for Washington Parish Council added: “The parish council is very disappointed that following several months of disruption from the road works associated with the Millford Grange development, the ride quality from the new surface is very poor.

“The council believes that WSCC Highways should consider taking over the project to ensure an acceptable surface to adopt as a public highway, and questions why the new poor quality surfacing has recently had road markings applied, as it would seem to be a waste of public money if it is to be subsequently replaced.”

The parish council has also received comments from members of the public about the ‘intrusive’ tall streetlights and believes this should be taken in hand by WSCC with a view to reducing their size, number, and illumination being on the South Downs National Park boundary.