Anger over dumping

SOUTHERAM Grey Pit, south of Southerham roundabout, Lewes, resembles a scene from one of the Mad Max movies, claims MP Norman Baker who is calling on Lewes District Council to enforce an immediate clean-up.

Mr Baker, alerted to the scene by a local resident, was appalled to find at least 20 abandoned and burned-out vehicles, numerous old rusted shopping trolleys and about 200 tyres that had been in place so long that nettles were growing through them.

'It is like a scene from another world,' he said. 'Yet it is less than half a mile from the town centre.

'When I visited on Tuesday, railway workers were repairing the fence between the site and the railway.

Danger

'It appeared the fence had been smashed down by vehicles which had driven along the ballast at the edge of the railway before driving through the fence.

'Clearly this is not just wanton destruction, but very dangerous as well.'

Mr Baker was aghast to find an unofficial dumping ground of hundreds of tyres, old furniture and even a discarded mobile toilet at the entrance to the pit.

He has written to Lewes District Council asking it to force the owners of the pit to undertake a thorough clean-up and put in place measures to prevent a recurrence.

'I appreciate Firle Estates are not responsible for creating this mess but it is their land and they need to deal with it,' he added.

'I am conscious that Firle Estates have given this matter some attention, but sadly much more is required.'

The MP concluded: 'Part of the answer must be to identify a long-term use for the huge site which gives it greater economic value than at present.

'A properly designed motocross site? A business park? A park-and-ride area? I would welcome suggestions.

'The site at present is a disgrace to Lewes and a blot on the landscape. It cannot be ignored any longer.'

A spokesman for Firle Estates said: 'We are aware of the situation and looking into it. What can we do to stop this happening?

'It is in a terrible mess. It's a real worry and of great concern to the estate, although it is not a problem unique to us. Any solution will take some time.'