Key South Downs road to remain shut 'for foreseeable future'

West Chiltington Road – a key route between West Chiltington and Pulborough – is shut at Panners Drive following flooding and severe damage to the road surface.

Now West Sussex County Council says recent heavy rain has prevented any progress on repairs. A spokesperson said: “Due to serious safety concerns the road remains closed to all traffic, including bikes, horses and pedestrians for the foreseeable future.”

In a statement yesterday (Tuesday), county highways experts said they are regularly checking the area to see if water levels have subsided. They have brought in other drainage specialists to also check the site.

Meanwhile, local residents and businesses are increasingly angry and frustrated at the lack of progress on repairs. The county council says it understands the frustration and ‘would like nothing more than to return West Chiltington Road back to normal.’