Residents across West Sussex are enjoying easier access to the county’s coast and countryside thanks to major improvements to public paths over the last year.
Residents across West Sussex are enjoying easier access to the county’s coast and countryside thanks to major improvements to public paths over the last year.
The programme covered more than 4,000km of footpaths, bridleways, boardwalks and byways, making routes safer, more accessible and easier to use. Improvements included installing or upgrading more than 1,200 signs, clearing 230km of paths, laying 20 tonnes of new surfacing, installing 100 metres of boardwalk and repairing or replacing around 200 bridges.
Volunteers played an important role in supporting the work, contributing around 50 days to inspecting routes and carrying out maintenance.
Improving accessibility remains a key priority. More than 40 traditional stiles have been replaced with easy-to-use gates, helping families, older residents and people with limited mobility enjoy the countryside more easily.
The programme also delivered larger projects, including resurfacing more than 7km of paths and carrying out bridge and drainage improvements to help keep routes open and accessible throughout the year.
A major milestone was the completion of the King Charles III England Coast Path between West Wittering and Emsworth. This section forms part of a spectacular 200-mile coastal walking route, giving residents and visitors even greater access to the county’s coastline.
Michele Hulme, WSCC Head of Local Highways Operations, said: “These improvements show our commitment to helping people enjoy West Sussex’s beautiful coast and countryside. By creating better, more accessible routes, we’re making it easier for people to get active and spend time outdoors.
“The completion of the King Charles III England Coast Path is a significant achievement that will benefit both local communities and the visitor economy.”
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