‘The A259 is becoming dangerous – road users are struggling to avoid the worst pothole’

A number of cars were damaged a couple of weeks ago on the C7 at Rodmell. It took multiple calls to East Sussex Highways before repairs were made, local councillors say.

Road users are now faced with large potholes on the A259 Brighton Road between Kwik Fit and the Fairway junction.

Cllr Lesley Boniface, Town Councillor for the Newhaven Valley Ward, commented: “East Sussex Highways continually tell us to report potholes on their website, but there seems little point when reports are not prioritised. The current situation on the A259 is becoming dangerous, road users are struggling to avoid the worst pothole, it’s an accident waiting to happen.”

“Some of the residential roads aren’t much better Fort Road, Court Farm Road and Newfield Road all need urgent attention,” Cllr Boniface added.

Councillor Jo Pettitt, Denton Ward, has also been busy reporting issues around the town including Elphick Road and Powell Gardens. “Powell Gardens is in such a poor state and needs a complete resurface,” said Cllr Pettitt.

An East Sussex Highways spokesperson said: “Since the start of the year, we have experienced consistent and significant rainfall across the county as well as freezing temperatures, both of which cause potholes. This is not unique to East Sussex with councils across the country experiencing an increase in potholes.

“We are carrying out pothole repairs in the town and prioritise our repairs based on the size and location of the pothole, among other criteria. Details about when and how we carry out these repairs can be found on our website. To repair every pothole regardless of whether it meets our intervention levels could cost around £10million to £15million - about four times the amount currently spent and would place an even greater burden on council taxpayers.”