WORK has been completed on the latest phase of a major improvement scheme for Uckfield High Street.

Contractors Colas have completed the second phase of stage two of the Uckfield Town Centre Highway Improvement Scheme.

The latest and largest phase of the programme has seen work completed on the footway on the western side of High Street, from outside Vision Express to the old Post Office building.

The scheme includes widening and upgrading the pavement with high quality Yorkstone paving, new street lights, upgraded traffic signals and preparatory work for tree planting to help alleviate surface water flooding.

Meanwhile, a number of temporary short-stay parking spaces have been opened up in the newly-completed layby on the south west side of High Street, providing more spaces for shoppers.

The scheme is being overseen by a project board comprised of representatives from East Sussex County Council, Wealden District Council and Uckfield Town Council.

A spokesman for the board said: “We’re very pleased with the way in which the work has progressed so far, and we’ve had some really positive feedback from residents and local traders.

“As the scheme develops, people can see what a big difference the improvements will make to Uckfield, creating a more attractive town centre with a road system that allows us to cope with the increase in traffic.

“Opening up temporary parking spaces is something we’ll be trying to do as we move up the High Street, but we’d like to stress that these spaces are aimed at shoppers and are limited to one hour only.”

A southbound one-way system is in operation in High Street for the duration of the eight-month scheme, which started in February, with northbound traffic diverted via Bell Lane and the A22 bypass.

A replacement shuttle bus is in operation and free parking is being offered on Saturdays and Sundays at Uckfield Railway Station. All car parks are open and freely accessible and motorists can currently still turn left out of the top of Luxford Field car park, as High Street remains open to two-way traffic above the roadworks.

However, as the works progress up the High Street past the junction with Library Way, the High Street will be one-way only and cars will be able to only turn right, following the southbound diversion.

More information is available online at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/uckfield