PEOPLE in East Sussex are being offered the chance to help shape how local transport in the county is developed in the years to come.

East Sussex County Council is consulting on plans for the second five-year phase of its Local Transport Plan, which sets out how it will help deliver strategic transport and infrastructure improvements to boost the county’s economy.

The proposals, which would come into effect in April 2016, include working with partners such as Highways England, Network Rail and train operators to improve road and rail links.

Also proposed are improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users, to help residents access training, education and jobs.

The first phase of the 15-year Local Transport Plan was adopted in May 2011, and has delivered schemes including the Bexhill to Hastings Link Road, a new transport interchange at Newhaven Town railway station and improved walking, cycling and bus facilities across the county.

Cllr Rupert Simmons, East Sussex County Council lead member for economy, said: “Effective, well-planned transport infrastructure is key to enabling the East Sussex economy to thrive, by opening up development sites for new housing or employment and allowing better access to jobs and services.

“Delivering integrated public transport, cycling and walking measures is vital in helping people who may not have a car to be able to develop the skills they need to develop their career and to access job opportunities.

“It will also allow us to create safer, healthier, more accessible and more sustainable communities.

“The schemes delivered in the first five years of the plan – both major projects and smaller local schemes – have helped us to achieve these aims and to make East Sussex a better place in which to live, work and do business.

“The next phase will shape how we continue to build on these successes, based on the likely funding we’ll have available, but I’d very much encourage people to have their say on the draft proposals.”

Schemes proposed include working with partners to press for improvements to the A21 and A27 and to make the case for the extension of high-speed rail to Hastings, bus, walking, cycling and road improvements across the county.

The consultation runs until Monday, December 21 2015 and can be completed online at https://consultation.eastsussex.gov.uk/economy-transport-environment/local-transport-plan-implementation-plan-2016-17-2