A KEY route through Lewes has fully reopened after the completion of a pedestrian improvement scheme.

Station Street was closed for five weeks to allow East Sussex County Council to upgrade the footway and resurface the road between its junctions with High Street and Lansdown Place.

The scheme was aimed at improving conditions for pedestrians using the busy route, which links Lewes High Street with the town’s railway station.

Cllr Carl Maynard, county council lead member for transport and environment, said: “The work which has been completed has seen the footway widened and levelled out, making it much easier for pedestrians to negotiate.

“We do appreciate that the work has resulted in some disruption for motorists and bus passengers, and we thank them for their patience and understanding.

“Our contractors, Kier, have worked very hard to ensure the work was completed on time, and have successfully delivered a project which will have lasting benefits for many years to come.”

The scheme was funded from a £2.4 million pot of money from the Government’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund for pedestrian and cycling improvement schemes and those which encourage people to use public transport.

Cllr Ruth O’Keeffe, county council member for Lewes, said: “We’ve got a beautiful new pavement which is much wider and the camber has been changed so it’s much flatter and easier for people to use.”

Cllr Rosalyn St Pierre, county council member for Ringmer and Lewes Bridge, said: “I’m delighted the road is open. It gives good pavement access for people at (sheltered housing complex) Caburn Court, many of whom have disabilities, young mothers coming up from the station with buggies and commuters. It will be of great benefit to Lewes.”