Lewes district ‘has missed out’ on ‘perfectly acceptable’ cycling improvements

‘Perfectly achievable proposals’ for cycling improvements across the Lewes district seem to have been discounted, according to the Lib Dems.
Pedestrian and cycle path (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)Pedestrian and cycle path (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Pedestrian and cycle path (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

East Sussex County Council is to move ahead with a number of temporary walking and cycling schemes using coronavirus funding from the government.

On Monday (August 17), lead member for transport Claire Dowling gave the go ahead to explore seven walking and cycling schemes, which would be paid for by phase 1 of the Emergency Active Travel Fund – a £250m pot announced as part of the government’s Covid-19 recovery plans in May.

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The seven proposals come from 15 possible schemes, which were put out for a short consultation process during lockdown.

None of the schemes which are moving ahead are within the Lewes district.

Three schemes within the district had been considered, including: a widened footpath on the A259 between Bishopstone and Marine Drive in Seaford; a temporary cyclepath between Peacehaven and Newhaven; and footpath widening along School Hill and the High Street in Lewes town centre.

Officers concluded there were too many challenges to overcome for the first two schemes.

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Meanwhile the plans for Lewes sparked massive opposition from traders who were unhappy at the temporary suspension of on-street parking bays so barriers could be installed to widen footways.

They felt the move would be ‘disastrous’ and remove the only parking option for the elderly and less able shoppers.

After the meeting the Lib Dems criticised how the Tory-led county council had handled the project up until now.

Carolyn Lambert, county councillor for Seaford South, said: “Some parts of Lewes, including Seaford, will receive no benefit from this funding. If the money is not spent, then the government will claw it back which would be a huge missed opportunity. Cycle Seahaven, one of the biggest cycling groups in the county, has put forward some perfectly achievable proposals, including some for simple signage, which seem to have been discounted.

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“I hope that the county council will re-consider its approach and listen to local residents.”

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