Overview
The proposed improvement scheme for the A27 has been a contentious subject amongst constituents. Gillian has met with constituents and businesses through the Community Workshop Programme organised by West Sussex County Council and Chichester District Council. Gillian has also had meetings and conversations with the local authorities on over 30 occasions, to fully understand the different perspectives and keep the process moving forward.
At the end of February 2017, Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport, announced the cancellation of the A27 Chichester Improvement Scheme. He said this was due to the withdrawal of support for the shortlisted options, and significant local campaigning by residents.
In response to the announcement the local authorities, councillors, campaigners and community groups, established the Build a Better A27 group to bring people together to see if it is possible to find a community lead solution. Through this process the community has come together around two acceptable options which have been put forward, and are currently being consider by Highways England who are undertaking affordability and viability studies. You can read more about the community action and the work Gillian has been doing in the updates below.
Discussions with Highways England and the Department for Transport are ongoing. The Chichester MP has met and corresponded with officials frequently since being elected and has continually made the case for funding in Chichester. She has said that she will ‘continue our conversations to push for progress.’
