.){kind=link}
South East Water has apologised after it closed Crowborough Hill unexpectedly causing chaos on surrounding streets today (Friday, 25 Sept).
The contractors were working on Crowborough Hill on scheduled repairs that were due to finish this afternoon, Friday 25 Sept, and traffic had been controlled using temporary traffic lights.
However, last night, without warning, the firm shut the road completely and it remained closed for most of today.
This sparked an angry response from residents who said they had been given no notice of the closure – and described the knock-on effects on roads such as Medway as “chaos”.
East Sussex Highways attended after being alerted by Crowborough county councillor, Cllr Sarah Jury. She told Crowborough News: “An inspector was dispatched as South East Water had closed the road without applying for permission from Highways and no work was being undertaken.
“The road should then have re-opened with traffic lights, but by 3 pm it hadn’t and the carriageway was blocked by a large lorry. East Sussex Highways are seeking an urgent explanation for the continued closure.”
She said South East Water faced a fine for closing the road without permission. “In addition, the appropriate penalties have been applied in line with East Sussex Highways procedures. I am very concerned by the disruption and inconvenience caused to residents, businesses and anyone trying to travel to, from and through Crowborough and will continue to press for a resolution.”
A spokesperson for South East Water said: “We apologise for the closure of a section of the B2100, Crowborough Hill today. We understand how frustrating road closures can be.
“Our technicians have been repairing a significant leak and the road closure was required for public safety. We are now reinstating the road surface to a safe and drivable condition and expect to have completed this job this afternoon.”