Residents told East Sussex County Council if drivers were allowed to park their vehicles on both sides of the road, it would act as a traffic calming measure and stop motorists using the road as a 'rat run' between Seaside and Royal Parade.

Councillor Beryl Healy presented the petition to the chairman at a county council meeting in May but on Monday (September 1) the lead member for transport and environment, Rupert Clubb, told petitioners the council was unable to meet their request.

Mr Clubb said, "In light of the good safety record along Channel View Road, I do not consider there is sufficient justification to remove the double yellow lines along the southern side of the road and recommend they be retained at this time."

Mr Clubb said it was not possible to determine whether Channel View Road was a 'rat run' and recommended the issue be investigated as part of the Sovereign Harbour Corridor Study, which is due to be undertaken by the end of the financial year.