Derek Deedman

At the last meeting of the County Council Derek Deedman asked the Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy about the lack of sufficient investment in properly restoring the Downs Link between Steyning and Shoreham.

She promised a written reply which is as follows: -

“As you are aware the Countryside Managers have been addressing the state of the surface of the Downs Link over the last few years but have only a limited budget. Currently the annual expenditure on surface improvements on the section north of Steyning to the County Border is £15-25K and south of Steyning is £12K (this year). This allows us to make only modest inroads into upgrading the surface.

“We do however take advantage of any opportunity available to get additional funds to allow more to be done. A sum of £20k has become available this year and the officer concerned will be contacting you to discuss the priorities and expenditure planned on this stretch. In addition we are also discussing further work with Sustrans, our Cycling Officer and the South Downs Joint Committee, to see if we can pool funding to address the additional stretches between Shoreham and Bramber.”

At the last meeting of Bramber Parish Council it was suggested that the Council might consider using some of the funds available from planning developments to help fund such restoration work. Derek Deedman has passed this information to the Countryside Officers who will be contacting the Parish Council to discuss the matter.

“Hopefully further progress will be made soon, and I will continue to press for the Link to be fully restored to a decent surface for all users for at least that part of the route between Shoreham and Steyning” said Derek.