A29 Church Hill landslips, Update 03.03.23

03 March 2023
Pulborough Parish Council

The public meeting on the A29 closure was run as two sessions because attendance was in excess of three hundred people. Members and Officers from West Sussex County Council updated everyone on the current situation, potential solutions, and timeframes. Horsham District Council Officers and Ward District Councillor attended to cover local economy issues.

The WSCC Highways Manager stated that he was optimistic that agreement between the County Council and the private landowners would be reached within a few days. We were informed that contractors are on standby as soon as agreement is reached. The aim will be to get the road open as soon as possible. Following that, surveys will be done to determine the optimum long-term solution. The road will be closed again later in the year to implement the long-term solution. If no agreement is reached with the landowners, a temporary solution will be put in place which is likely to involve traffic lights and single-file traffic.

A letter was also sent during February to West Sussex County Council and Horsham District Council from Pulborough Parish Council in partnership with other key community groups, raising the concerns of the community and urging urgent action to deal with the issues and impacts of the road closure.

Horsham District Council has provided two hours of free parking in the Lower Street Car Park. Signs are displayed at the pay meter and entrances. New signs and online resources have been provided by its Economic Development Team, encouraging people to shop locally and support local businesses. This work is ongoing in order to heighten the profile of local shops and businesses to help reduce the impact of the road closure on the local economy.