There have been major upgrades to public paths in West Sussex.
The improvements, delivered over the last financial year, covered more than 4,000km of footpaths, bridleways, boardwalks and byways and include: more than 1,200 new or upgraded signs; 230km of paths cleared to keep routes open and accessible; 20 tonnes of new surfacing laid to improve path quality; 100 metres of boardwalk installed in wetter areas; and around 200 bridges repaired or replaced.
A dedicated team of volunteers contributed around 50 days of their time to inspect routes and carry out essential maintenance tasks.
Improving accessibility remains a key priority for the council, with more than 40 traditional country stiles replaced by gates as part of the upgrading programme. This is helping open the countryside to families, older residents and people with limited mobility.
Larger-scale improvements include more than 7km of resurfaced paths, alongside new bridge and drainage works, helping to ensure routes remain accessible and reliable all year round.
A stand-out achievement is the completion of the King Charles III England Coast Path between West Wittering and Emsworth, providing residents and visitors with access to a continuous 200-mile coastal walking route.
Michele Hulme, WSCC head of local highways operations, said: “This ambitious programme of improvements highlights our commitment to helping people make the most of West Sussex’s outstanding coast and countryside. By improving access and creating better-quality routes, we’re enabling more residents to get active and connect with nature.
“The completion of the King Charles III England Coast Path is a landmark moment. As well as providing a stunning, accessible long-distance route, it will attract visitors from across the country and deliver a real boost to our coastal communities and local economy.”
