Expect big effect at grass-roots level

The result of today's poll, however, is likely to have a big effect on the grass-roots scene in West Sussex during the next one or two Parliaments, with prime examples being the A27 and the West Durrington development.

Many will be hoping a possible change of government will bring major A27 trunk road improvements much nearer realisation.

Three or four years ago, things seemed to be moving towards a bypass/tunnel solution, but they ended up in a dead end with the advent of the credit crunch.

Would a more business-supported Tory administration view such A27 improvements in a more urgent light, considering how the worsening congestion affects south east transport costs and the quality of life in traffic-blocked north Worthing?

Remember, though, that it was a Conservative government which ditched A27 bypass plans BEFORE New labour took over in 1997, and Labour then rubber-stamped the Tories' decision.

Then, if Labour lose control today, will a fresh look be taken at the 750-plus homes scheme for West Durrington?

Bearing in mind past Tory opposition to Labour's massive house-building plans throughout the south east, will David Cameron's team back local opposition to the project '“ or decide, instead, that more homes are needed here to help meet local housing needs?

Another moan by the south's Tory councils has been the imbalance of government funding to the area, with northern authorities getting an unfair, greater share of the cash.

With the not-so-veiled threat, by all parties, of big economy cuts ahead, would West Sussex be much better off under the Tories' wing?

Local authorities, like the main political parties, have pledged to protect "front-line services".

If all the "sacred cows" are to be saved, it looks a pretty bleak affordability outlook for a whole raft of other provisions which we have come to take for granted in the past years of comparative plenty.

The Herald Says comment is published in the Herald series every Thursday

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