Photo Rich Wesley

Sussex Highways just don’t cut it!

Pensioner and local citizen, Richard Wesley contacted HOT expressing his disappointment in the Highways Department of East Sussex County Council, saying “they have abandoned our paths and footpaths”. Read his words here and post your Comments below.

“My Name is Richard Wesley. I’m a pensioner (not that this makes much difference) and have become disillusioned, like many, with the general degrading of our community areas. Due, I feel, to the neglect of our local and county councils. I don’t care they are not getting the funding (despite a 6% rate rise). If they don’t get enough, then do something about it.

“Now is the time for people to speak out and not accept the general decline in all areas.

“Wherever you look, our paths are being overtaken by rambling brambles, nettles and overgrown trees and bushes. Any complaint sent to the Highways Department is mostly a waste of time, with the response time being lethargic at best. The council has a reactive policy (even if that reaction can take months) rather than pro-active. This has resulted in just an individual problem being solved, rather than much needed wholesale maintenance.

Photo Rich Wesley

“Footpaths that were once able to take three people side by side are now reduced to single file. In some places you are forced on to the verge and in the worst cases, into the road.

“With the government encouraging all to get more exercise, now is not the time to neglect our footpaths. Please don’t just put up with this neglect: contact East Sussex Highways online and complain.

“Just today I have asked locals in my area to report to me (via the online platform Nextdoor) the condition of pavements and footpaths.

“Also, I have joined the group, Tidy Up St Leonards. I believe littering and the general apathy of both councils and housing associations are responsible in some part for the general decline in social behaviour.  And while volunteering is to some extent giving in to this, it’s what must be done until the world changes.”

Rich wants to make it clear that these are his views only – and do not represent the views of Tidy Up St Leonards.

Photo Rich Wesley

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