THE FINAL stage of a major town centre improvement scheme designed to help Hailsham flourish has begun.

With the transformation of the High Street and George Street complete, work has moved to Vicarage Lane and Vicarage Road and is expected to take 12 weeks to complete.

The work, which includes widening footpaths, installing a new pedestrian crossing and putting in place a permanent one way system, will be carried out in five phases.

“The Hailsham project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure the town can cope with future development and continue to thrive,” said Karl Taylor, assistant director of operations at East Sussex County Council.

“We are delighted with the new look to the High Street and George Street. Both are now pedestrian friendly and modern looking and we are pleased to see the final stage of the work starting.

“Recognising the importance of maintaining access to car park, leisure centre, council offices and supermarket, and the need to keep disruption to a minimum, our contractors have arranged to carry out the next stage in phases.”

The first phase is already underway and involves the construction of a new pedestrian crossing outside the leisure centre car park. A small section of Vicarage Lane will be closed until July 7 to allow for the work to take place, and a diversion route is in operation.

The following phases include;

– Overnight closures on July 6 and July 7 for surfacing work from North Street to the new pedestrian crossing. There will be no access between 7pm and 5am

– Road reconstruction on the corner of Vicarage Road and Marshfoot Lane between July 10 and July 14

– The construction of a footpath and work on the existing kerbs from July 17 to August 8. The road will be closed during this time between Marshfoot Lane and Vicarage Road

– Overnight closures on August 10 and August 11 to allow for surfacing work between the new pedestrian crossing and the Market Street junction. This section of road will be closed between 7pm and 5am.

Diversion routes will be in place during all closures. Temporary traffic lights and other traffic management measures will also be put in place to keep disruption to a minimum.

For up to date information visit www.eastsussexhighways.com