Lewes heading for traffic chaos warn Lib Dems

1.20.00pm GMT Wed 10th Feb 2010

Lewes town centre could be gridlocked for weeks warn Lewes Lib Dems, who have today condemned the county council's handling of planned roadworks on the High Street.

East Sussex County Council has refused to change its controversial plans for roadworks in the town centre affecting eastbound traffic in the High Street for two weeks from 14 February, despite local opinion and concerted lobbying by local Lib Dem councillors and the town's MP, Norman Baker.

In addition, the roadworks have been poorly publicised to local residents and there was very little consultation on the issue prior to the works being organised, meaning that problems will ensue for local residents, visitors and traders.

For the duration of the works, the County Council is planning to redirect traffic going through Lewes from the prison crossroads down Winterbourne Hollow, along Southover High Street and then along Lansdown Place, which is likely to cause traffic chaos, as the phasing of the traffic lights at various junctions could cause large tailbacks.

Local MP Norman Baker said: "The town is going to be hit by a traffic disaster of epic proportions. These roadworks are going to cause immense disruption to the businesses and residents of Lewes. The county council has failed to notify people adequately. There was no consultation in advance from the county council with Lewes District Council, Lewes Town Council and myself as the local MP, and although I am glad that the council officers finally agreed to a meeting of those concerned, I am very disappointed that the county council have decided to stand by their convoluted diversionary system.

"Chaos could come to many a street in Lewes town centre."

Lewes County Councillor, Rosalyn St Pierre said: "In trying to represent the views of the traders and residents of Lewes, in particular the frail and the elderly who need to have access to the post office, dentist, doctor and bank, I was dismayed that my views were jeered at by the Conservative group and totally dismissed by the Lead Member for Transport and Environment at a recent council meeting.

"I have attended meetings with the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, liaised with Lewes District Council and Norman Baker MP together with officers to try and get a better resolution to this situation. It must be remembered that the impacts of these works will cause problems to the villages surrounding Lewes and therefore to local trade and the economy of the town.

Leader of Lewes District Council, Ann De Vecchi, who demanded the meeting with the county council: "At the moment many residents are unaware of what is going to hit the southern part of Lewes, as the plans have been very poorly publicised by the county council."