Protester causes traffic disruption at Balcombe

Police say a protester up a tripod has closed the B2036 London Road at Balcombe, causing serious traffic disruption in the area.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Sep 2013, 14:10 BST
Eastbourne Hastings Bexhill Rye Battle Herald ObserverEastbourne Hastings Bexhill Rye Battle Herald Observer
Eastbourne Hastings Bexhill Rye Battle Herald Observer

The tripod was erected in the middle of the road outside the Cuadrilla drilling site at about 8.10am this morning (Thursday September 5) and the man climbed it.

Traffic was still flowing freely on the 60mph road at the time and drivers had to take avoiding action, adding an extra hazard to the tented community that is encamped on the verges at the site.

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Superintendent Lawrence Hobbs said: “Closure of the road is adding miles to people’s journeys, affecting residents, businesses and included three coaches that were delayed in picking up around 60 pupils waiting to be taken to school.

“We anticipate that the man will be down shortly and he will be arrested. We will then get the road re-opened just as soon as it is safe to do so.

“I would urge protesters to do so peacefully. The level of disruption that is being caused to the local community by this sort of criminal protest is completely unacceptable.”