ANGRY SCENES AS RESIDENTS BLOCK ACCESS TO HAILSHAM DEVELOPMENT SITE

There was traffic disruption recently when residents set out to protest against the use of Marshfoot Lane by heavy construction traffic.

An early morning protest took place by homeowners who blocked the road to construction workers trying to access the Vistry Homes site which is building 300 new homes. Motorists vented their frustration at the protestors who held up signs ‘No Vistry traffic today” and stopped workers and vehicles accessing Marshfoot Lane.

Residents claim there are restrictions to stop work at weekends and bank holidays, but their weekend was ruined by concrete deliveries at 8am on Saturday. They also claim workers are using the road to park dangerously when all members of staff and visitors should park on-site, and speeding drivers are making their lives unbearable.

Jane, who lives in the lane told Hailsham News: “It’s not fair. I watched two vans leave that site, they shot past my house and sped up the road at about 35 miles an hour. I personally have been abused three times by a lorry driver when I asked them to slow down a bit. I’ve been called all the names under the sun.”

She added: “How long before a person, a child, a pet gets killed? And what are they going to do then?”

The roadblock was lifted soon after it started as traffic started to build and school staff needed access to Phoenix Academy. disrupted due to the development over the last few months.

Another resident, who didn’t want to be named, told us: “There are now some plans to resurface a small part of the lane by the development following our protest. I’m sure this will happen over a weekend, so we face more disruption due to the 300 homes.”

They added: “Marshfoot Lane is just that — a lane! It is not designed for so many vehicles and large construction traffic to use on a daily basis.

The whole lane is a disgrace now which is really sad.

A spokesperson from Wealden District Council said: “We are aware of some issues that are of concern and are working to resolve the situation as a matter of urgency.”

Hailsham News approached Vistry Homes for a comment but one was not sent by the time we went to press.

To see a video of the protests, visit www.hailsham.news