'Dangerous' concrete pillar leaning across Bexhill footpath to be repaired after confusion

Bexhill resident Charles Harvey said the pillar, which holds up a fence, started leaning across the the footpath opposite the Bexhill Amateur Boxing Club after it was damaged during strong winds over the Christmas period.

Mr Harvey said it was posing a danger for people as it could fall at any moment.

"It would just take a strong gust of wind to cause an accident which could be a fatality," he said. "Nothing has been done to warn the public or make the area safe. It has been like this for an unacceptable number of days.

"Elderly people, parents pushing prams and very young children walk or ride cycles along the alleyway.

"The concrete posts are incredibly heavy. Action needs to be taken to render the area safe while waiting for the repair."

Mr Harvey reported the fence to East Sussex Highways on January 5 and his enquiry was forwarded onto the Rights of Way team, who informed Mr Charles they were aware of the situation.

Jeremy James, a Rights of Way officer, told Mr Charles they were in contact with the landowner about having it repaired.

However, on Thursday (January 21), East Sussex County Council confirmed it was the council's responsibility to repair the fence after a 'long-standing' agreement was found during enquiries.

The council said the process of arranging repairs has now started.

A spokesman for the council said: “The fence was damaged during strong winds over the Christmas period and we are grateful to Mr Harvey for reporting this to us. During enquiries, we have identified a long-standing agreement for East Sussex County Council to take responsibility for the fence, and are in the process of arranging repairs. We will share details of the work once confirmed.”