Protect heritage

With the building of the railway in the 1840s, following an Act of Parliament, the railway company was forced to retain the pathway with the addition of stiles each side of the track – Pagett’s Crossing.

Over the years, and with the continuing developments in both Angmering and East Preston, the usage by locals has increased until today it is used by very many locals and schoolchildren.

I am totally opposed to the Network Rail’s proposed closure of this heritage route.

To withdraw this facility, would, I consider, be a retrograde step for the community and remove an ancient right of way. With only one fatality in recent years, the crossing has an otherwise good record of safety.

My first option is to retain the crossing, as it is at present.

I do, however, accept that an alternative to retain the crossing would be for an electronic gate to be controlled as with the road crossing.

This would give additional safety measures, and it would also assist those like me who take their bicycles or pushchairs over the crossing.

I have written to Angmering and East Preston parish councils urging them to oppose the closure of this way and would also urge those like me who treasure this ancient path to protest at its closure.

It seems ironic that on the A259 road, the pathway has its own traffic lights. while further south the pathway could come to an abrupt end!

We must try to protect our heritage from this unnecessary public vandalism.

Richard Akhurst

Sea Road

East Preston