Plans to improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists in Lewes are being put before the public.

People are being asked to give their views on five schemes for the town in a consultation launched by East Sussex County Council, including a public exhibition.

The schemes, under the banner ‘Lewes Steps Forward’, include new 20pmh schemes in six residential areas, enhancements to Lewes Railway Station forecourt, improvements to Station Street and Fisher Street, completion of a cycle route through the town and improved signage for pedestrians and cyclists.

The council will use the results of the consultation to help decide which of the schemes, to be funded with cash from central Government, will be delivered.

Cllr Carl Maynard, county council lead member for transport and environment, said: “The schemes we are consulting on will improve travel choices for people living and working in Lewes.

“All of the proposed schemes would have a real impact on making the town a better place for cyclists and pedestrians, but to choose the best ones for Lewes we need people’s feedback.

“That’s why I’d really encourage people to come along to the public exhibition and take part in the consultation.”

The exhibition will be held at Eastgate Baptist Church Hall, in Eastgate Street, on Thursday 19 September 19 2013 from 2pm to 8pm, Friday 20 September from 2pm to 8pm and Saturday 21 September from 10am to 4pm.

The consultation runs from Thursday 19 September to Monday 21 October 2013 and people can give their feedback on the consultations section of the county council website.

Further information

Notes for editors

The five schemes being consulted on are as follows

– Introduction of 20mph limits in Houndean, Landport, Nevill, Wallands and Winterbourne, plus a 20mph zone including speed reducing features in Malling.
Estimated cost: £20,000 (five areas) / £100,000 (Malling)

– Improvements to Lewes Railway Station forecourt, which could include a new zebra crossing and pedestrian refuge island, improved bus stops and taxi ranks, and incorporating Station Road into the Southover area 20mph zone
Estimated cost: £90,000

– Improvements to Station Street and Fisher Street, including wider footways, improved bus boarding areas and reviewing the Station Street/ High Street junction to improve traffic flow.
Estimated cost: £200,000

– Routing of the Regional Cycle Route 90 through Lewes, providing the ‘missing link’ in the route, which aims to link Brighton with the Cuckoo Trail near Polegate.
Estimated cost: £58,000 to £244,000 depending on chosen route

– Improved signposting for pedestrians and cyclists to help them navigate through the town
Estimated cost: £50,000

The schemes will be delivered out of a £3.7 million funding pot obtained by the county council from the Government’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund.
Money from the fund will also be used for schemes in Eastbourne and Newhaven.