LIMITING parking in Uckfield High Street to half an hour is the preferred choice of respondents to the latest questionnaire on a scheme to improve the town centre.

More than half of those who gave feedback favoured a 30-minute limit on parking, while a one-way system was the preferred option for managing traffic during the works.

Feedback from the questionnaire, which coincided with a two-day exhibition on the High Street works held last month, will be taken into account, along with other responses received, by the Uckfield Town Centre Regeneration Joint Committee when it meets on Monday, August 10.

The committee will consider revised proposals for the next phase of the scheme, to include 23 parking spaces for stays of up to 30 minutes, and to further examine options for a temporary one-way system during the work. Overall the number of parking spaces in Uckfield is due to increase.

The recommendation of the committee, made up of members of East Sussex County Council, Wealden District Council and Uckfield Town Council, will go to Cllr Carl Maynard, county council lead member for transport and environment, for a final decision in September.

Cllr Claire Dowling, joint committee member, said: “The revised proposals have been formulated to take into account the views expressed by people in Uckfield.

“The job of the committee at our next meeting will be to decide whether these proposals offer the best solution to balancing the demand for parking spaces while reducing congestion and improving the town centre.”

The second stage of the Uckfield Town Centre Highway Improvement Scheme, affecting High Street between Bell Lane and Church Street, is due to begin in January next year.

It will include pavement widening, new street furniture, ‘smart’ traffic lights and planting to help mitigate flooding.

The first stage of the scheme, at the southern end of High Street, was completed in November, while the third and final stage will see improvements at Uckfield Bus Station.

The scheme, funded by around £3 million of developer contributions, is aimed at reducing congestion and ensuring the town can cope with the traffic arising from new housing development.

The agenda for the meeting on August 10 is available online at http://council.wealden.gov.uk/mgCommitteeDetails.aspx?ID=752

More information about the scheme is available at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/uckfield