Footpath Flooding

The underpass is flooded for much of the time, making it virtually impossible for mothers with prams to use, and many people refuse to use the path at night, as it has had no lighting for six months.

Project co-ordinator for pressure group Agenda 21, Bob Musgrove, estimates the cost of repairs to the footpath at between 35,000 and 40,000.

He said: "It seems like a lot of money until you realise all the things which need tackling."

Flooding of the path is caused by a leak in the sheet metal piling which lines the River Arun. Consequently, the problem is at its worst at high tide.

Mary Tout, from Torton Hill Road said: "Something needs to be done. The path is used hundreds of times a day and, when it is unusable, people have to risk their lives crossing the busy A27, which is unacceptable."

Her husband, the Rev Philip Tout, says the path was a lifeline for everyone in Arundel, as nearly every resident needed to get from one side to the other for all sorts of reasons.

He said: "The two primary schools are on either side of the bridge, the surgery is on our side and the shops are on the other, so it is absolutely essential."

He has been trying to find out who is responsible for the footpath so that something can be done.

"Someone, somewhere in the labyrinth that is central or local government, is being paid to look after our needs and they are failing to do their job," he added.

However, a spokesman for West Sussex County Council confirmed the footpath was the responsibility of the Highways Agency.

She added: "We are aware of the problem and we are currently in consultation with the Highways Agency on the matter.

"We are also trying to improve the footway down to that area, with Agenda 21."