Sidley plea

That was the plea from residents about the building of the new link road.

At a poorly attended meeting at the church hall of Our Lady of the Rosary, Southlands Road, on Tuesday, locals could voice their concerns and ideas for transport plans in the village.

Up for discussion were the proposed Hastings to Bexhill link road and a changes to the traffic system in Sidley.

The event formed part of the new Sidley Voice initiative.

Having revealed part of the proposed link road would follow the path of the old Crowhurst railway line, county officers were asked by Sidley Community Association chairman, John Izzard, if they would have to destroy the present bridges.

Mr Izzard was concerned any work to these bridges, on the main roads in to Bexhill, would effectively leave the village stranded.

He said: "As it is proposed the road will go under the existing bridges or is it proposed the bridges will come out and new ones have to be created? I ask because if they do that (remove them) the only way in to Sidley will be Gunter's Lane or St Mary's Lane. I'm intrigued about how you can drive a road through there when there was only a couple of railway lines."

Graham Furness, of East Sussex County Council, said: "It is something the designers will be looking at at present. It has not been decided yet but we will know that when it comes to a planning application."

Residents were also happy to learn a cycle lane is proposed as part of the new road but were asked to submit their suggestions on where the routes should connect to.

The road is due to open in summer 2010 with a possible planning application in October this year.

The meeting was also briefed on county plans to ease traffic problems in Sidley. Proposals include a loading bay for the Co - Op store, examining crossing points and bus facilities and the introduction of a one way system for Sidley Green.

Work is projected to start in January 2007 although there is still time for last minute consultation.

Plans can be viewed on East Sussex County Council's website and in the village post office later in the year.

Area traffic safety manager, Brian Banks, said: "The biggest problem with Sidley high street is that lorries are unloading right in the middle of the road and that is very frustrating when you are trying to get through.

"That's only one of the proposals to provide that small loading bay."

Mr Banks said design considerations didn't permit the bay to be directly outside the store but it would be close.

He added loading times and parking in the bay could be discussed with residents but was dependent on police enforcement.