BY-PASS NOISE MAY BE CUT

The Government has given a glimmer of hope that the road could be re-surfaced with a quieter material in three years time, subject to the money being available.

Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman told Lewes MP Norman Baker in a Commons written answer: 'Whenever a road needs to be resurfaced for safety and maintenance reasons, quieter surfacing is used as a matter of course.

'Last year a one kilometre stretch of the bypass was repaired using low noise material.

'The bypass is now in good condition and there are no plans to resurface the remainder in the next financial year.

'However, a technical survey is programmed for next financial year and works identified as a result, such as resurfacing with a quieter materials, would be carried out in the financial year 2008/9, subject to allocation of funds.'

Mr Baker said later: 'This has been a long standing concern of Lewes people who have complained bitterly, and with some justification, about the noise from the bypass which can be heard through most of the town.

'Steps need to be taken to reduce the noise.

'There is no point in putting up trees. The nature of the land means it would make no difference to the noise.

'This is the first time, having been fobbed off for years, that they have shown any sign of movement on this.

'It's a glimmer of hope.'