Little Common traffic scheme

Draft plans have been released by East Sussex County Council showing proposed changes to roads in the village.

The scheme represents a victory for county councillor Brian Gadd who has been pushing for safety improvements for several years.

He personally leafleted hundreds of his constituents earlier this year as part of a traffic survey to discover the changes they would like.

The new road layout should be in place by Autumn 2007.

Proposed changes include two new puffin crossings for Cooden Sea Road, one near the roundabout and another serving shops near the Birkdale junction.

A new one way scheme is set out for Church Hill Avenue, with access from Cooden Sea Road only.

Other changes include a widening of parking bays near the roundabout bus stop to improve visibility.

Cllr Gadd said: "I'm quite happy with the plans so far. We are getting the major things done people asked for and that is what it's all about. The work will make things a lot safer.

"What we haven't got yet is the work on Pear Tree Lane we wanted but that will come as part of phase two. I think with the link road coming they wanted to get that right first and then come back to other things."

So far the plans have gone out to local councillors and stakeholders.

The public will be consulted on the proposals in February next year.

County highway officers say the plans are subject to change as a result - something Cllr Gadd is pleased with as he intends to push for more safety measures which are not on the current drawings.

He is particularly concerned with parking on the junction of Collington Lane West and Cooden Sea Road and wants to see greater restrictions in place.

He added: "It is an accident waiting to happen and something needs to be done. We have the police right behind us on this so we are hopeful it will be added.

"Anyone can see an accident is going to happen there."