Concern over '˜dangerous' leaking drain in Battle

The drain on Hastings Road, near Crowhurst Church, has been leaking water down the road since November according to commuter Andy White.

The St Leonards man drives past the drain every day and says it’s starting to get dangerous with cars trying to dodge the puddles.

“Why’s it taken so long for anybody to do anything about it as it’s been leaking for months,” he said.

“The amount of water that’s been running out of it is ridiculous and we’re going to end up with quite a slippery surface.

“I go that way every morning and I’ve started to see a puddle forming at Telham Lane.

“We’re going to end up with a river across the road and you go round the blind corner with cars on the wrong side of the road, which is dangerous.”

Mr White said all the other drains are blocked by dirt and leaves plus the leak is starting to create potholes.

He was told by South East Water it’s a private issue on private land but East Sussex County Council said it wasn’t their drain, it’s the water company’s.

A county council spokesman said: “We are aware of the issues with the leaking drain cover in Hastings Road and we are working with South East Water and Highways England to establish the cause of the problem and who is responsible for fixing it.

“In the meantime, we will also be going out to jet the drainage system in this area to ensure our drains our running freely and are clear of any detritus.”

South East Water’s head of service management Steve Andrews said they are aware of the issue and have reported it to the county council as it is not connected with their water network.

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