Officers will be meeting with the Chamber of Commerce and representatives from the Town and District Councils to discuss arrangements for carrying out road works in the town.
The Council wants to work closely with the local community to ensure that any inevitable disruption is carefully managed. This follows concerns over congestion and delays in the High Street during the road works that were completed at the beginning of this year. Businesses felt they suffered as a result.
At the meeting, to be held on Thursday, (July 1) officers will be discussing options about the timing, organisation and management of traffic when the resurfacing and the partial reconstruction of the High Street take place.
The County Council is taking the opportunity of combining these works with phase two of the Uckfield High Street improvements to minimise disruption.
These works will include upgrading the existing pedestrian crossings and widening the footways.
Commenting, Lead Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, Councillor Matthew Lock, said:”Whilst the County Council sympathises with the inevitable disruption any form of road works cause to the travelling public, doing nothing is not an option. Tests show that the High Street needs to be partially rebuilt, but we want to discuss with the local community representatives how they would like us to manage this.
"We are currently investigating a variety of options and are confident that we can come to a decision. Once completed Uckfield High Street will be a safer and more accessible place for everyone wanting to use the town centre.”
Notes to editors
These improvements follow on from phase one which was completed earlier in the year. These included introducing better pedestrian crossing facilities at the High Street and Framfield Road junction and upgrading the pedestrian crossing in Bell Lane.
All the improvements are the proposals developed as part of the Uckfield Local Area Transport Strategy that was developed in partnership with the Uckfield Town Council and Wealden District Council working together with the local area transport forum comprising local community interests including local businesses.
Reference:
04/214/JW
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