MORE than 400 residents at Deanland Wood Park say they fear being ‘cut off’ when Deanland Road closes for a week of utility works next week.
The road, which provides the main access to the park home estate near Hailsham, is set to shut from 17–24 February to allow the installation of a new electric cable.
Residents claim the assigned diversion route is unsafe, poorly maintained and unsuitable for larger vehicles, including emergency services.
One resident told Hailsham News: “The diversion is along narrow, sometimes single-track lanes which are unsuited to a large increase in traffic, particularly vehicles larger or wider than an SUV.
“The roads in places are prone to flooding and are unfit for anything other than high-riding 4x4s. The verges in many places have been destroyed, compounded by the three-day diversion in place in the middle of January.
“It is a dereliction of duty of the highway authority not to consider the state of repair and rectify before allowing the increased volume of traffic along the proposed diversion.
“The outcome will be many conflicts between vehicles travelling in opposite directions, long delays and dangerous manoeuvres while vehicles try to pass on the narrow, non-potholed road space available, further destruction of the already poor road surface and damage to vehicles. I will expect ESCC to refund the bills for repairs should any damage be caused to my vehicle.”
An East Sussex Highways spokesperson said the works are being carried out by ESP Electricity, and the authority is legally unable to refuse access.
“These are ESP Electricity works and, as the Highway Authority, we cannot deny a utility company access to their apparatus,” the spokesperson said.
“The law is clear on minimum working width, safety zones and when road closures are necessary. Emergency access will be maintained, and the diversion route complies with regulations, using like-for-like roads.”
The excavation is being undertaken by Falcrum, which said a full road crossing is required to install new electric mains infrastructure.
A spokesperson for Falcrum said: “Due to the width of Deanland Road, it is impossible for us to work to the New Roads and Street Works code of practice to maintain single-file traffic and also provide the required safety zones for road works.
“Due to this, our only option is to close the road for the safety of any road users, the public and our civils team who must complete the excavation. Our proposed traffic management plans, diversions and permits have been granted by East Sussex Highways in advance of the works.”
Following concerns raised by residents, a meeting has been arranged between a member of the project management team and East Sussex Highways on Monday, 16 February, to discuss the works further and address access concerns.
Residents say they hope the meeting will result in improvements to the diversion route or a rethink on how the works are carried out before the closure comes into force.
