Lorry crash knocked out phonelines

Police were called to the B2165 Staplecross Road just before 4pm on Wednesday after a large hay lorry hit the pole, breaking it in two.

The lorry driver then left the scene in the vehicle, leaving the overhead cables in the road behind him.

When officers arrived at the incident, members of the public had already started to divert traffic away from the crash scene.

The road was closed in both directions for several hours.

The electricity pole is owned by UK Power Networks, but also carried a BT overhead cable.

Up to ten people were left without a phoneline following the accident.

The telecoms company told the Observer yesterday (Thursday) that it hoped to restore services “later today or tomorrow”.

A spokesperson for UK Power Networks said: “UK Power Networks was informed of an accident involving a car that had brought down one of our wooden poles carrying overhead electricity lines on the B2165 at Cripps Corner.

“Engineers had to replace the broken pole but were able to do so without interrupting any supplies to customers.

“A road closure was needed in order to carry out the work as quickly and as safely as possible.

“All repairs were completed by about 11pm.”

Sergeant Paul Masterson, of Battle police, said the driver who hit the pole before driving away may not have realised how much damage he had caused.

Sgt Masterson said: “In many cases lorry drivers clip things and do not realise they have done it because of the size and shape of the vehicle.”

Sussex Police are appealing for the driver to come forward and are asking for any witnesses to call 0845 60 70 999.