Frustrated traders walk out of High Street road works meeting

Library pothole shot

Yesterday’s meeting of business owners at the State Hall, Heathfield, confirmed that rescheduling the closure of the Heathfield High Street in November was not an option. The meeting was run by the Heathfield Partnership with East Sussex Highways and Cllr Rupert Simmons (East Sussex County Council) there for questions. At one point, a business owner read out a letter of support from local MP, Huw Merriman, but, although he had believed some flexibility was possible it then became evident that this was not the case.   Many local business people had turned up hoping to have their concerns listened to, and to be reassured. However, those we spoke to expressed the sentiment that it was unsatisfactory and they were “not impressed, at just being given lip service.”

During the meeting, it was reported that many people became very vocal and increasingly frustrated by the lack of debate, and when it became evident that only technical questions were being considered, they walked out.

There appear to be many unanswered questions, relating to matters such as car parking provision and access to essential services like the Doctors’ Surgery, which need to be answered before the works start on 2 November. We spoke to Trevor Goldsmith, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce who wanted to reassure people that “He is looking into the issues raised by the meeting,” and asked “that people be practical with the challenges ahead”. Chris Richards from East Sussex Highways was also contacted by us, he told us that he could not comment on the meeting as he had been on site visits today; but they are hoping to run a daily update on their web page which will give people a day by day status on the progress of the works, with information about access.

The Heathfield news is awaiting further responses to our queries from East Sussex County Council and East Sussex Highways, and as soon as we have more information we will provide updates.