Disability group criticises “stupid and careless” cubes in Eastbourne

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A disabled access group has slammed the new cubes in Eastbourne town centre as “stupid and careless”.

The cubes have recently been placed in the pedestrianised section of Terminus Road as part of the Eastbourne Town Centre Improvement Scheme but there has been backlash from the public.

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East Sussex County Council, which is behind the scheme with Eastbourne council, told the Herald yesterday (Monday) the cubes are in place to guide vehicles through Terminus Road towards Cornfield Road – and they can also be used as seats.

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Eastbourne Access Group tweeted today (Tuesday) saying, “One comment about these cubes: stupid and careless. They represent an immediate danger to the health and safety of residents - especially older people and the visually impaired. They need to be removed immediately.”

A spokesman for the group said, “We would like to express utter dismay at the installation of additional trip hazards in our town centre.

“The group believes immediate action needs to be taken to remove the cubes and feels this is more evidence that East Sussex County Council is failing in its duty to provide safe, sustainable access for all, as outlined in the Equality Act.”

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Mark Simmons of the Eastbourne Blind Society said, “These have already had visually impaired people walking into them and they represent an immediate danger to the health and safety of pedestrians.”

Sarah Gayton of the National Federation of the Blind said, “Eastbourne town centre needs a safe functioning public realm. The county council’s claims that these cubes can be used as seats is disingenuous, as they are too low for disabled or older people to use.”