FINDON PARISH COUNCIL SURVEY

CLOSING DATE FRIDAY 18th June 2021

Context

During 2015 and 2016 WSCC developed its Walking and Cycling Strategy which was adopted by the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport in April 2016.

The A24 between Findon Valley and Findon Village was one of the many routes suggested to WSCC as part of a broad consultation. Each scheme was scored using a methodology supplied by Sustrans known as the RATE tool and the A24 scheme scored well. The scheme had been requested by Findon Parish Council since 2012 and is included in the Findon Neighbourhood Development Plan, policy GA2, which has been fully consulted on and approved by 93% of the referendum vote. It has also been included as a priority in WSCCs draft Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and in the Adur and Worthing LCWIP.

The scheme was highlighted as a priority of the Worthing cycle forum (when asked in 2016) and is supported in principle by WSCC, Adur and Worthing Council and parish councillors. The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) also supports the scheme seeing it as a crucial link into the park.

The scheme is the first phase of a potential 2-phase project, enabling access to the National Park. Phase 2 would enhance this by linking Findon Village with Washington where there is further opportunity to access the SDNPA via the public rights of way network.

Phase 1 would connect the SDNPA at Findon with Worthing via the existing shared facility adjacent to the A24 between the A27 and Kings Parade. This is expected to significantly improve usage of the existing shared facility by providing onwards extension to Findon Village and the Park. It will also provide Findon residents with significantly improved non-motorised user access to the shops, doctor’s surgery, Findon Library, and other facilities at Findon Valley and onward to schools in Worthing. This would avoid the need for cyclists to use the A24 as is currently the case or travel by car.

WSCC has secured approximately £1m from the Department for Transport to introduce their current proposal for a shared space cycle/pedestrian route along the eastern side of the A24. WSCC considers that this proposal meets the revised government guidelines for cycle schemes known as LTN 1/20.  

Findon Parish Council needs to demonstrate community support for this scheme – please do this by using the online survey.

Take the survey - https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Cycleroute