Hailsham Gears Up for Christmas Shopping

++MEDIA RELEASE ISSUED ON BEHALF OF WEALDEN DISTRICT COUNCIL AND M.A.S.H.H++

Hailsham gears up for a busy five week shopping spree before Christmas as street improvement works are put on hold for the festive season.

Work in the High Street is stopping on Friday 25th November and will not begin again until early January. The improvements to George Street will also halt on the 25^th November and will not restart until February 2017.

“It’s good news that the town centre roadworks have been halted until after Christmas. This is ideal for local businesses and residents during the busiest retail period of the year and with the town’s forthcoming festive events,” said Councillor Nigel Coltman, Mayor of Hailsham

“We apologise for any disruption the work may have caused to some so far, however these are vital long-term improvements to our town centre and will be very worthwhile.”

“I’m pleased with the progress of the town centre improvement works to date, despite the delay and new timetable recently announced by East Sussex Highways,” Said Councillor Nick Collinson, chairman of the Hailsham Forward Executive.

“Work will therefore stop on 25th November in time for the town’s Christmas lights switch-on and Christmas Extravaganza events, which is welcome news for all concerned.”

“All areas will have full vehicle and pedestrian access until works resume in the New Year and it is important to remember that the town centre is not closed for business — with a wide choice of shops offering a range of goods and services throughout the duration of the works.”

“We are already beginning to see some of the benefits of the improvements. There are smart wide pavements along parts of the High Street, allowing room for shoppers to stop and chat and plenty of space for buggies and wheelchairs to pass,” said Councillor Ann Newton, Cabinet member for Planning and Development at Wealden District Council. “It creates a much more inviting location for shopping and, like all of Wealden towns, there is plenty of free car parking available.”

A small amount of footpath improvement work will take place along the footpaths in Vicarage Lane and Vicarage Road during December as part of the preparations for the New Year. The improvement work is on course for completion in April 2017.

The latest project news from East Sussex Highways, can be found on line here: http://www.eastsussexhighways.com/events/hailsham-town-centre-regeneration-works