A campaign has been launched to stall a three-month programme of roadworks on the A27 Chichester bypass.
As reported in last week’s Observer, the Highways Agency will start work on the bypass on Monday.
Chichester City Centre Partnership is calling for the work to be delayed by six weeks.
“We will be making representations to the Highways Agency to them to delay this necessary works for six weeks,” said partnership chairman Andrew Finnamore.
“They are necessary. We do desperately want the A27 sorted but we don’t want it sorted over Christmas.
“We will be making representations and we are asking our businesses to do likewise.”
The partnership said it was particularly concerned about coaches bringing visitors to the city for the Christmas Market and becoming stuck on the A27.
Louise Fenwick, of the city’s chamber of commerce, joined the debate online.
She tweeted: “Let’s not complain, folks _ this work is NEEDED! Shame they’re doing it in the run up to Xmas... Doh!”
A Highways Agency spokesman said: “The A27 Chichester bypass from Portfield Roundabout to Fishbourne Roundabout has a history of flooding when severe weather is experienced.
“This often leads to road lanes being closed for a lengthy period of time whilst the water is removed to make the road safe again.”
Speaking about potential disruption, he said: “Work of this nature does generate disruption and inevitably a certain amount of noise.
“However, efforts will be made to reduce this wherever possible.
“The work will be carried out in phases along the bypass and it is planned to be at each location for no longer than approximately one week.”
Further information on the roadworks is available online at www.highways.gov.uk
An information line is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0300 123 5000.
A survey will be available until the roadworks are completed online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/A27Chichesterdrainage
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