East Sussex Highways have unearthed the tops of old land drainage culverts whilst Southern Water's contractors discovered a large disused gas pipe some 12" in diameter thought to date back to the 1930's.
The County Council were aware of the five Victorian brick culverts that run across Cliffe High Street but did not know their exact depth until they were uncovered.
These discoveries mean that Saturday's Lewes Carnival procession will be re-routed via Phoenix Causeway. The County Council had intended to make Cliffe High Street accessible for the carnival procession as it has done in previous years but is not possible to fill in the holes to a standard safe for lorries and floats.
Cliffe High Street, however, will still be open for business throughout the works taking place.
This phase of the Living Cliffe scheme began on Monday 2 June and will last 18 to 20 weeks. It is being implemented by East Sussex County Council to create a more pleasant and safe environment for shoppers by reducing the number of vehicles using Cliffe High Street by up to 70 per cent.
Measures will include the creation of a pedestrian zone where through-traffic is restricted. Cycling will be allowed in both directions throughout Cliffe High Street and a speed restriction of 20mph will be introduced for delivery and loading vehicles and blue badge holders.
Cllr Matthew Lock, Lead Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said: "The aim of the scheme is to reduce the dominance of motor vehicles in Cliffe High Street and provide an attractive, pedestrian-friendly area that can accommodate loading and cycling.
"A key objective of our proposals is to retain the vibrant and distinctive character of this historic street after the scheme has been built. But I also want residents and traders to be reassured that the street will remain open for business throughout the building stage.”
To maximise efficiency the County Council is coordinating works with Southern Water who will be replacing the water main in Cliffe High Street, between Cliffe Bridge and South Street. Replacing the old cast-iron mains with new pipes will reduce the need to dig up the street in future years.
The County Council asked Lewes residents what they thought of the Living Cliffe proposals during the Lewes Streets Ahead 2006 consultation and nine out of ten residents said they were in favour of the scheme.
Pavements throughout the pedestrian zone will be widened and the eastern end of Cliffe High Street will become a two-way road allowing access to Morris Road and Foundry Lane via Malling Street.
This is the second phase of work. The first phase was completed in July 2007.
Notes to editors
The main part of this work is the creation of the pedestrian zone. This will involve narrowing the road between Bear Yard and Morris Road and replacing the current road surface with blocks to match the surface over Cliffe Bridge. The brick footways will be completely re-laid up to the junction with Morris Road.
The work will start at the junction with Bear Yard and progress in stages to the junction with Morris Road.
The road between the junctions with Morris Road and South Street will be resurfaced at the end of the project.
Traffic and pedestrian management
Cliffe High Street will be closed to through traffic throughout the duration of the works. The legal order to create the pedestrian zone will come into effect as soon as construction starts. Traffic from the Friars car park, Railway Lane and Court Road will access all routes via Friars Walk.
Cliffe car park will be closed for the duration of the works to store materials. The nearest alternative car park is approximately 50 yards away in South Street.
Pedestrians will be protected from the works areas using barriers and fencing. Temporary ramps and walkways may be erected from time to time.
Notice for residents and businesses
Access for residents and businesses will be maintained and are likely to change on a regular basis as work progresses. Residents and businesses should advise their deliveries or collections to approach from the appropriate direction. If you are uncertain which route should be used please contact the Public Liaison Officer who will be located on site.
Work may start from 7am and may extend up to 9pm from Monday to Friday. Sunday working will be required on a number of occasions however Saturday working will be restricted to minimise the disruption to shoppers.
The extended working hours are required to reduce the duration of the works and complete work that may be inconvenient during trading hours.
Contact
The Public Liaison Officer for this scheme will be on site from 2 June and will be based in the temporary office located in the Phoenix Centre Car Park. This can be accessed via North Court or Harveys Way. He will be available to assist with deliveries, access problems and general day to day issues.
Reference:
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