Now is the time to sort Eastbourne’s overgrown paths

Now is the time, during the pandemic, for East Sussex County Council to ensure, that the seriously overgrown and busy shared paths are maintained, especially now that we are in Tier Four.

During 2020 many campaigners have contacted councillors and East Sussex Highways, about clearing the shared path, along Lottbridge Drove, to restore it to its original size.

It is part of the National Cycle Network and a popular route for cyclists, walkers and mobility scooters.

It is one of the busiest routes in Eastbourne but it is now too narrow, and to maintain social distancing mobility scooters have been seen perilously close to the edge, where it meets the dual carriageway.

So you may be surprised to find out that the path is, in parts, more than 40 per cent overgrown.

However the authorities maintain ‘there is over one metre of clearance in this location’, ‘this area has two metres of width’ and ‘..is private land that the vegetation is growing from’.

It is in reality council land that has been neglected.

When built, there was a three metre tarmac path.

This is the minimum width for a shared path, specified by many of the UK authorities.

So for example, where there are paving slabs, the path is six slabs wide, however a typical short section has now been excavated, and two-and-a-half of these slabs were covered up with vegetation and earth.

I have often been disappointed with East Sussex County Council,but this is the most serious in terms of the total disregard for the health of local residents.

ESCC has been given £2.5m, out of national Covid active travel funds, but will do nothing to rectify the problem.

If you feel this is unacceptable, and want the original three metre path restored during Covid, then please contact your County Councillor or go onto the East Sussex Highways website and report your concerns.