The historic monument had stones dislodged and two black and gold bollards were destroyed when the foreign registered lorry squeezed through the narrow arch on March 12.

The incident was reported to police but the driver has not been found.
John Bragge, who has an antiques shop opposite the Arch, said: "The lorry destroyed two bollards and these have just been replaced by sand-bags, which look like unsightly rubbish.

"The clock in the arch has stopped working again.

"Rother Council has said the damaged Arch is not dangerous - I disagree.
"There are dislodged stones and rubble which I have seen children get hold of and throw at nesting birds on more than one occasion.

"It has now been two months since the Arch was damaged and nothing has been done.

"This is one of the main gateways to the town and one of the most popular places for tourists. It is photographed dozens of times each day. What sort of impression does that create of Rye?"

Rye councillor David Wright said: "It has been woefully neglected - the whole area looks a total disgrace.

"The stonework has been pronounced safe despite objections from local traders who, rightly, point out that substantial chunks can easily be removed.

"I understand that maintenance of Rye's ancient monuments is one of the services the Town Council hopes to retrieve back from Rother District Council. If so, the sooner the better.

Rother District Council, who are responsible for the Arch are waiting to use the services of a stonemason to repair it.
East Sussex County Council say replacement bollards are on order.