Unsafe building causing reduced footfall - traders

Business owners in Uckfield say people are avoiding the town because of temporary traffic lights

A historic building declared unsafe due to cracks in its façade and temporary traffic lights are impacting footfall in an East Sussex town's high street, businesses have said.

Scaffolding was erected and the pavement was closed after vertical cracks were found in the Grade II listed former Maiden's Head Hotel building in Uckfield High Street in March

Four-way traffic lights were set up, which business owners said regularly caused traffic and made the high street "quiet and dead".

Wealden District Council (WDC) said internal inspections of the building had taken place and the building's exterior would be inspected across the next two weeks.

Levent Yalcin, owner of Café 212, said: "It has been terrible since they put the lights up, people are avoiding Uckfield.

"Every week has been slower and slower. It's not fair on anyone, those doing the school runs or going to work."

East Sussex Highways said it was "seeking to minimise the disruption caused" by traffic controls but its priority was to "ensure the ongoing safety of the public".

Parts of the building dates back to the 18th Century, according to Historic England.

Issues with the building were first brought to the attention of WDC on 4 February and the council erected scaffolding on 21 March.

Vertical cracks were found in the Grade II listed building in Uckfield High Street

Bobbie Moore, owner of Love Coco Boutique, said: "There's a distinct correlation between the lights and the now very quiet high street.

"It's quiet and dead right now, even coffee shops at lunchtime are quiet. It's hit every businesses in the high street."

Piratheepan Siva, owner of Weekes Newsagent for 16 years, said his business was nearly 40% down since the scaffolding went up and he had reduced its opening hours.

The scaffolding has been up for nearly three months

The council said it was aware of the impact on the residents and businesses, and it was seeking a resolution.

"As always, it is important to bear in mind that the temporary support and partial road closure are in place to keep the public safe, this remains our top priority," a WDC spokesperson said.

"With the agreement of the property owner, internal inspections have recently taken place and further external high level inspections will take place over the next two weeks before a more detailed schedule of works and timetable for resolution will hopefully be available".