Fears for safetyas roadworkstake hold in Rye

Concerns have been raised about the one -way section around Station Approach, by Jempsons, becoming two-way.

Rye councillor Granville Bantick, who also chairs the local Highways Forum is worried about pedestrian safety at Station Approach with pedestrians, used to the one way system getting caught out by vehicles travelling in the opposite direction.

The area is heavily used due to the station and supermarket.

Work, which is taking plan in two phases, was due to have started on Monday January 5 but was delayed by a week.

Cllr Bantick wants to see a light-controlled crossing in Station Approach with a metal fenced crossing refuge like we see in Hastings and other towns.

He said: “Money is, of course, never available for such projects unless fatalities can be shown to have happened.

“It must be borne in mind that we have a high proportion of elderly people in this town as well as many with mobility problems. Let us hope the public will take heed of the dangers when one-way traffic is changed to two-way. That is a black spot at the moment.”

The work is being carried out by Southern Gas Networks as part of £100,000 project.

A Southern Gas spokesperson said: “We planned this work in close collaboration with East Sussex County Council and Rye Town Council to ensure we minimise inconvenience affecting local residents and businesses as far as possible.

“The project designed to ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply to the local area. We will be replacing the existing metal pipes with plastic (polyethylene) pipe, which has a minimum lifespan of 80 years. This means less long-term disruption and a safe and secure supply of gas to homes and businesses for many years to come.

Construction Manager Russ Goodayle said: “We would like to thank everyone for their patience while we carry out our essential works.”