HAILSHAM residents have been left frustrated after gas crews dug up a busy roundabout that was only resurfaced a matter of weeks ago, following years of campaigning.
The busy junction at London Road and Hempstead Lane was finally resurfaced late last month after persistent complaints about potholes and road conditions, which had worsened over several years. The long-awaited works were welcomed by local residents and councillors.
But the relief was short-lived. Southern Gas Networks (SGN) has now begun scheduled work to replace old gas pipes at the same location, tearing up sections of the freshly laid surface in the process.
East Sussex County Councillor for Hailsham New Town, Cllr Gerard Fox, has voiced his anger over what he describes as a shocking failure of coordination.
Speaking to Hailsham News, Cllr Fox said: “I spent over a year lobbying my highways steward and the wider highways team to get the road and roundabout at the junction between London Road and Hempstead Lane resurfaced. I was delighted to see this done in recent weeks. I am appalled to see that Southern Gas Networks have torn up a substantial part of the refreshed road surface this last week.”
“I am perplexed that a well-telegraphed and scheduled piece of gas works can follow an expensive piece of road surfacing in a matter of weeks. It is not as if this was emergency work. The sequencing seems all wrong.”
Cllr Fox confirmed he has raised the matter with the head of highways at East Sussex County Council and has demanded assurances that SGN will fully restore the road to its recent condition once the works are complete.
He added: “We must not be left with a poor-quality temporary fix for months on end. A further discussion with our road contractor also needs to take place around how utility works and road repairs are better coordinated in future.”
Residents have echoed the councillor’s concerns, with many taking to social media to express disbelief that the road is being dug up so soon after such a long wait for resurfacing.
Hailsham News has contacted East Sussex County Council Highways for a comment.
