Grove Road - month-long road closure looming
A BUSY town centre road looks set to be closed to traffic for almost four weeks.
Grove Road, pictured, is being closed from Monday April 19 while South East Water replaces a new water main.
The company says the 75,000 scheme is needed to secure water supplies in Eastbourne and also protect local businesses from flooding caused by bursts.
The existing cast iron water main has burst five times in ten years and last year the road was closed for some time much to the anger of traders.
There were major interruptions to customers' water supplies, localised flooding to businesses and disruption to traffic while emergency repairs were carried out.
Graham Webb, infrastructure development manager, said, "With an increasing number of bursts - including two in April and May 2009 which caused flooding to the basements of nearby businesses – it is vital we act now to ensure that not only our customers' water supplies are protected, but also local traders too."
While pedestrian access will be unaffected and restricted access will be provided to residents and businesses in Grove Road itself, the road will be temporarily closed to through traffic throughout construction. This will instead be diverted up Old Orchard Road.
Mr Webb said, "For the protection of motorists and also our workforce, we have to temporarily close the road to through traffic.
"However, we will be providing restricted vehicle access to those residents and businesses who live and work in Grove Road, to help make sure that it is still business as usual."
Work to replace the section of water main will start on Monday April 19 and is due for completion by Friday May 14.
The timing of the work, and the diversion route, has been agreed with Highways officers to happen after the Christmas and Easter trading periods, but before the busier summer tourist season when a number of community, retail and sporting events take place.
Mr Webb added, "We fully appreciate this essential work is on a busy one-way system and a popular shopping area, and so some disruption is inevitable.
"However, South East Water and its contractor Morgan Est are committed to working with local businesses so we can deal with any issues or concerns they may have.
"In particular, we will be working with them to allow vehicle access, such as for deliveries, as much as we possibly can.
"We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience but hope our customers, and indeed local businesses, understand how important it is that we tackle this work."
Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, Councillor David Tutt, said, "This section of old pipework burst twice last year causing major problems in the Grove Road area.
"It could happen again at any time.
"South East Water acknowledges there is no good time to carry out the repairs, but we have been assured by them that they will do all they can to minimise the inconvenience for local businesses and people who live and work in the area. In discussions with South East Water, I know they are keen to talk to business owners and residents who do have concerns about the planned work."
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Weather for Bexhill-on-Sea
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: -6 C to 2 C
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