Access for disabled people in Eastbourne is getting harder

Does Eastbourne want disabled people? From the look of the current planning, it appears not. Disabled access to the town centre is becoming harder and harder. Following Phase 1 of the town centre regeneration, buses stop in Cornfield Road and leave from Gildredge Road. Cube and low level planters have become hazards to fall over. Shared transport and pedestrian spaces have become dangerous for support dogs and blind people. Cyclists roam the pedestrian precinct with impunity as it is not policed at all. Phase 2 will remove disabled parking in both Bolton Road and Langney Road in order to accommodate two way traffic. Disabled parking outside Marks and Spencers will disappear. It is possible that more disabled parking will be made available in Lismore Road, but this depends on ESCC. It needs to be replaced at the same time as the new road layout comes into operation and not after at the whim of ESCC. Nearly 25 per cent of Eastbourne’s population are elderly/disabled and contribute the same amount to the town’s commercial prosperity and their views so far, regarding the town centre, have been ignored by all concerned. I am ashamed that having been born and raised in this town that this section of the population are no longer being held in esteem by this council.