Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
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Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
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Seaford's appearance suffers as slabs give way to blacktop
Norman Baker MP today criticised East Sussex County Council for its policy of replacing paving slabs with blacktop along sensitive pavements in Seaford, saying the policy is diminishing the character of the town.
Norman has received a number of complaints from residents of several Seaford streets including North Way, Stafford Road and Belgrave Crescent who also feel the Council’s policy on the matter is taking away much of the character of the town.
As part of its statutory duty the County Council must carry out regular inspections of the footpaths under its jurisdiction. If so called "trips" are found then works must be carried out to make the footpath safe. It is now the Council’s standard practice, in areas with paving slabs to remove these and repair the footpath with tarmac, as this is deemed cheaper and it meets the safety requirements for pedestrians.
Commenting on this Norman said:
"I do appreciate that traditional slabs are more expensive than using blacktop, but where slabs exist, I think these should be maintained, especially in conservation areas. The County is making a mess out of the fine pavements of Seaford.
"One way the County could both save some money and protect traditional slabs is to do far more to stop cars and particularly lorries mounting and even parking on the pavements. This does more to wreck slabs than anything else."