I am dismayed that East Sussex County Council have seen fit to schedule the closure of the High Street to traffic over the entire month of November. I have made representations to the Director of Highways, the Portfolio-holder and the Leader of the County Council. I have been unsuccessful in my attempts to cause a change of mind.
During October, having been informed of events by one of the traders, I twice visited High Street shops, restaurants and offices delivering two sets of correspondence between me and those responsible in County Hall.
Living a few miles from Heathfield, and using the High Street amenities myself, I am very concerned about the future viability of our High Street with this work causing disruption at their busiest time of the year. I am also concerned for the traffic impact on residents and the ability of school pupils getting to school on time.
If, as seems likely, this work does go ahead, I am urging residents to make the extra effort and support their High Street traders at this vital time.
In the links below, you will find correspondence from me to those responsible for this project. Sadly, I have no powers to directly intervene and can only use my influence to call for a change in the decision. In this instance, my calls have been turned down. Please make your voice heard by emailing [email protected]
Huw Calls on County Leader to Halt Heathfield Closure
I have today (18 October) written to East Sussex County Council Leader, Keith Glazier, calling for him to use his ultimate power and postpone the planned closure of Heathfield High Street until next year, when the traders are in a quieter position and when schools will not be sitting for the entire month. The text of the letter is copied below:
Dear Keith,
Thank you for your email of today. I note that you are looking at ways to mitigate the disruption of the road closure of Heathfield High Street during November for which I am grateful.
However, until the detail of the mitigation is fully known, I remain concerned about the timing of these roadworks given the correspondence I continue to receive from Heathfield traders and residents.
Whilst all those concerned appreciate the importance of these repairs, the timing really could not be worse for the traders in Heathfield, many of whom have contacted me in despair. For many, if not most, the trade in November and December during the lead up to Christmas sustains their businesses during quieter times in the remainder of the year.
The closure of the high street to all traffic except deliveries will, it is justifiably feared, cause local people to shop elsewhere due to the difficulties in negotiating traffic delays, diversions and access to shops. Any mitigations that are put in place to help keep the shops accessible will, in all likelihood, not prevent people choosing to shop in alternative towns.
I understand that the repairs should have been carried out in August and were then rescheduled to October. Traders are angry and frustrated that they were not fully consulted on new proposal to carry out the repairs in November and were not able to voice their concerns earlier. Consequently, many have already ordered their Christmas stock and fear that they will not now be able to sell it. As a community, Heathfield has had to work exceptionally hard to keep its high street shops open for business. Many operate on the smallest of profit margins and it would be devastating if the loss of trade caused by these roadworks means that some end up closing their doors for good.
Many residents are also concerned about the diversion routes, on-street parking and congestion that will result from these works which will impact their homes.
On behalf of all the Heathfield traders and residents who I have visited and who have contacted me, I am formally requesting that these works are postponed until the new year unless the new modifications to the scheme can demonstrate that businesses and residents will not be seriously impacted by them.
Yours sincerely,
Huw Merriman
Member of Parliament for Bexhill and Battle
Huw Asks Highways to Explain Heathfield Closure Plans
Having been approached by traders concerned at plans to close Heathfield High Street to traffic during November, I wrote to the Director and Portfolio-holder for East Sussex County Council’s Highways Department on 10 October and asked for an explanation. I have also hand-delivered a copy of this letter to all High Street businesses and asked the owners to confirm to me that they wish me to lobby for a suspension of works until early 2019.
Dear Rupert ,
Re: Roadworks for Heathfield High Street
I have been contacted by a number of concerned traders who operate in Heathfield. The traders have approached me due to serious concerns with the timing of proposed work on the highways which will require the High Street to close for an estimated four weeks.
The concerns raised by the traders are not about the work itself, but relate to the timing. As we know, Christmas trading can make, or break, many retailers. The traders in Heathfield are concerned that the road closures and inconvenience from the work being carried out will have serious consequences on their footfall and put the viability of their businesses, and the High Street as a result, at risk.
I am a supporter of all High Streets in my constituency. I know Heathfield High Street particularly well because I have shopped on it for over ten years. I rely on the produce and services which it provides. Heathfield is fortunate to have a High Street featuring a baker, butcher, greengrocer, delicatessen, iron monger, general stores, jewellers and antique dealers (amongst many other shops). We also have a great number of restaurants delivering trade in the evening.
Along with my constituents, I would be troubled by anything which could put these traders at risk. To this end, I would be grateful if you could help me with the following queries:
- Why has the work been scheduled for November?
- Has there been consultation with the traders on the High Street leading to a decision to commence during the month of November?
- Why can’t the work commence and be completed in a period of the year where trading is less busy (as agreed with the traders as to when that period best exists)?
- If there are health and safety, or other emergency, grounds for the work taking place immediately in November, when was this determined and have alternative mitigation solutions been considered pending work in the New Year?
- How can the traders build a case leading to a delay in the works until after the Christmas trading period?
I am aware that the traders are meeting with representatives from East Sussex County Council’s Highways Department on the evening of Monday 15th October. I cannot join them because I will be in Parliament. I would, however, like to be able to supply a copy of this letter and a copy of your response in order for those traders who cannot attend to be aware of the position.
Yours sincerely,
Huw Merriman
Member of Parliament for Bexhill and Battle