Historic gates stolen from Framfield Road

The gates were specifically made for these houses and date from 1860 when Alexander Cheale (who built Possingworth Park) built these distinctive residences in Framfield Road.

Householder Brian Hart said: “In the 1960s new driveways and entrances were made for four of the properties but fortunately a workman took one home to re-use at his Alexandra Road house. Years later his widow offered me the gate just after I’d moved here and I was overjoyed. I was keen to restore the original entrance so broke up the ugly 1960s concrete driveway. I reconstructed the original front path and painstakingly rebuilt authentic pillars with reclaimed shaped bricks. The renovated gate was back where it should be, something I was particularly keen to do as I felt it was an important part of the town’s history.”

When he locked up on Saturday night he was upset to find both his and a neighbour’s gates had been stolen.

“Sussex Police have been very helpful and have photographs of the gates, but I’m heartbroken as I can’t replace such an utterly unique item.

“Quite aside from despite all the sheer hard slog and building work I put in personally, I’m just as angry for the house’s sake.

“We’re only temporary custodians of these lovely houses and because these are part of Uckfield it is all the more hurtful.

“I’m offering a reward of £250 for the return of my gate.”

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