BATTLE Road in Hastings will be closed for 24 hours a day for six days from 15 March.

East Sussex Highways, in collaboration with Hastings Borough Council, will be closing Battle Road to install temporary concrete protection blocks.

The blocks are required to protect road users and pedestrians during the planned demolition of a privately owned structure.

A signed diversion route will be in place via Ashbrook Road and the A21.

Pedestrian access will be provided to local residents but there may be some delays.

Bus routes will also be affected by the road closure and people are advised to check with their bus company for any changes to services.

Following the road closure, one lane will remain closed for the foreseeable future until the structures have been removed safely. Temporary traffic lights will be in place to regulate the flow of traffic, and the junction with Duke Road will remain closed.

The steps from Battle Road up to the rear of the properties on Silverlands Road will also be permanently closed.

Karl Taylor, head of operations at East Sussex County Council, said: “We appreciate closure of Battle Road will cause some disruption to road users and residents, but the installation of the temporary protection blocks is essential to allow the safe demolition of the structure. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Cllr Kim Forward, leader of Hastings Borough Council said: “We have had real concerns about the safety of these arches for some time, and have had to take legal action against their owners. We are delighted that they will be removed over the coming months.”

Details of all forthcoming roadworks are available on the East Sussex Highways website.