VOTE 2010: Ask Worthing's candidates

HERALD readers were invited to send in their questions for parliamentary candidates to answer in print.

The first two questions were published on Thursday, April 22, and the second two will appear on Thursday, April 29.

Graham North, of Reigate Road, Worthing, asked: Given the dreadful state of the A27, what are your proposals to alleviate traffic congestion?

Peter Honiball, of Lenhurst Way, Tarring, asked: There have been many negative campaigns about the developments proposed at Teville Gate, the Aquarena and Grafton car park without offering any viable alternatives or solutions to these issues.

What are your views on negative campaigns and what are your proposals for these areas?

Candidates responses are listed below

Worthing West

Peter Bottomley '“ Conservative

The unlamented John Prescott found ways to put this problem on the "do nothing" pile. I think Worthing's needs will follow action at Chichester and Arundel to the west '“ and this Labour government has found ways to avoid progress there as well.

What is needed is a practical plan online or north of the A27. Sadly, going into the Downs is unlikely to be acceptable and the residents on the present line might predictably have more influence than other locals including business who will benefit.

The way forward might be for national government to volunteer to pay for any proper proposal agreed by Worthing, West Sussex, Adur and Arun councils.

My aim is to have a positive campaign but this question invites me to be negative about the reported negative campaigns '“ this is a Catch22?

The council, councillors and officers with competitive offers by the private sector can, I believe, find the best options and then drive them forward so Worthing can have the best of its traditions with modern provision for visitors and residents.

I welcome recent council initiatives and I would be prepared to be criticised by the child-free who sometimes appear to deny the needs of the young.

Hazel Thorpe '“ Lib Dem

The A27, a by-pass or not, flummoxed even the current MP, who was the minister for transport in the last Conservative government.