Archive for category: News

For many years the Parish Council has attempted to achieve a pedestrian crossing at or near the junction of Mill Lane and the A275. The first feasibility study was carried out in 2011 but more recently, the feasibility study undertaken in 2020 looked at two possibilities:

1.  A controlled crossing on the A275 to the south side of Mill Lane Jct. estimated cost £245,000

2 . Two uncontrolled pedestrian refuge islands on A275 either side of Mill Lane Jct.  estimated cost £85,000

The Parish Council considered the report in 2020 and concluded that the uncontrolled crossing would not be considered safe enough based on the feasibility report, and the controlled crossing would be unaffordable for the Parish Council, so could not realistically be considered.

Nevertheless  as there was still a strong desire for a crossing amongst the Councillors and  residents and school children who have to cross the A275 regularly, in 2023 we requested a further feasibility report to consider dropped kerbs, tactile paving and footpath improvement, to cross A275 south of Mill Lane. 

This ‘desk top study’ took into account the last speed data collection which was in 2019 which shows drivers mainly (on average) driving at 40mph, which is the speed limit. It also looked at the accident record for the  period 2020 – 2023 which showed 1 ‘slight’ accident on Mill Lane. (In fact if you look at the area of the A275 up to Markstakes and down to Grantham Close, the number rises to 4 ‘slight’ accidents and 1 serious.)

The conclusion of the latest feasibility study is as follows

‘An uncontrolled crossing does not provide precedence to pedestrians, good judgement is required from the pedestrians and pedestrians may have much longer waiting times on busy routes. Elderly, disabled pedestrians or school children may find them difficult to use, particularly on busy routes.

For these reasons, the proposed uncontrolled crossing facilities would not provide the benefits to pedestrians at this location and East Sussex Highways would not recommend that the introduction of an uncontrolled crossing point with dropped kerbs and tactile paving, on the A275 south of the Mill Lane Junction be considered further. The option of a signalled crossing developed in 2011 would be more appropriate at this location.

Regrettably therefore, at the most recent Parish Council Meeting, Councillors accepted that the only crossing of any kind that is likely to meet with ESH approval is a controlled one. In 2020 this was costed at approximately £245,000 which was significantly beyond our reach. It is likely to be considerably more expensive now.

Our available funds are (approximately) £22,000 and although some Community Infrastructure Funds could be bid for from Lewes Council, we fall way short of the necessary funds, even if we were successful in the bidding process.

Additionally, a Controlled Crossing would involve the provision of road lighting on and to the approaches of the crossing facility and Councillors are aware that there has in the past been resistance to this from residents who live close to the proposed crossing site. 5 new street lighting columns might be required.

We attach below the latest feasibility report for you to view. We shall continue to search for viable solutions which include reminding East Sussex Highways and Lewes District Council that as long as planning permission for new developments in Chailey continue to be awarded, thereby increasing both the traffic and the number of residents who wish to cross the A275, a far more meaningful financial contribution will be needed from the developers to insure the future road safety in the area.

Elizabeth Berry

Chair, Chailey Parish Council

IMPORTANT ROADWORKS INFORMATION 28 February 2024

Beggars Wood, Chailey

Balfour Beatty is working in partnership with East Sussex County Council to manage the highways service across East Sussex. As part of this, we will be carrying out targeted patch repairs in Beggars wood, Chailey.

Once completed, these works will help improve the condition of the road surface.

When do they start?

Work will be carried out between Wednesday 20 March and Thursday 21 March.

We will inform you of any changes to the dates or times via advanced warning signs on site.

How will this impact highway users?

We will be working near junction A272 and Beggars Wood. A diversion route will be in place via Haywards Heath Road, North Common Road & vice versa.

The road will be closed to through traffic between 7am and 7pm.

If you need vehicle access, please discuss this with the team on site to see if this is possible. Please bear in mind there will be delays whilst the area is made safe, and your vehicle is escorted by site marshalls.

Information for residents and businesses

Parking: If required, we will put out ‘no parking’ signs and cones on the site to advise where parking is restricted. Please avoid parking in these locations as it will delay our works.

Weather: All of these works are subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress of the works.

Properties close to the carriageway may experience a temporary disturbance as this can be a noisy process and those properties may experience flashing lights and reversing sirens.

We would like to take this opportunity to apologise in advance for any inconvenience or disruption this work may cause, however this forms part of our continuing improvement for the East Sussex highway network. For information on roadworks and journey planning, visit www.One.Network.com. Please follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @esccroads or Facebook @EastSussexHighways for updates. If you would like to know more about East Sussex Highways and what we do, please visit our website www.eastsussexhighways.com.

Thank you,

East Sussex Highways

 

Eco Home Extravaganza at Lewes Town Hall on 18th May from 10am to 3pm (entrance on Fisher Street). Free community event with lots of information about making your home warmer and more sustainable, giving advice on saving money, grants and other tips and support. Speak directly with architects and installers of heat pumps and solar panels in a relaxed environment. Family friendly event, café and a range of other local sustainable businesses. Everyone welcome !”

Read more at www.ovesco.co.uk

 

Cattle have just moved onto Pound, Memorial & Romany Ridge Commons, as of 21st April 2023.

The Parish Council has commissioned East Sussex Highways to prepare a Feasibility Study in regard to improving provision for students and others crossing the A275 between the Brickyard Lane bus-stop and Mill Lane.