MP wants A21 improvement plans by April

MP Greg Barker has called on the Highways Agency to end the ‘Groundhog Day’ cycle of endless reports, surveys and analysis and bring forward specific proposals for engineering improvements to the A21 at Hurst Green.

Following an urgent meeting called for by Mr Barker to bring together local villagers, councillors and senior Highway Agency officers, the agency has now agreed to bring forward specific proposals by next April for improvements, focused on Coopers Corner and the stretch of road north of the village and the Ticehurst turn off.

The Highways Agency is also looking at schemes that will control speed and improve driver behaviour on the A21 between Flimwell to Silverhill.

Speaking after the meeting in Hurst Green Village Hall, Mr Barker said: “There is understandable frustration in the village and beyond that we just keep going round in circles.

“Enough is enough.

“I believe I speak for the majority of local people when I say I want a proper solution to improve the safety and deal with the speeding on this fatal stretch of road.

“The Highways Agency will now fast track their surveys and procedures and bring forward suggestions by the start of the next financial year.

“In my view they can’t come quick enough.”

Local representatives attending the meeting were Cllr John Barnes, of East Sussex County Council, Cllr Graham Browne, Rother District Councillor and Chair of Hurst Green Parish Council, Cllr Sue Prochak, Rother District Councillor, Cllr Christine Hampton (parish council) and Cllr Christie Greenford (parish council) - pictured above.