Local councillors have been working with UKPN since the middle of last week to encourage a review of current working practices and request clearer and detailed communication in relation to the impending works for residents and local businesses in Uckfield. We stressed the importance of residents feeling reassured that they could access their properties, receive deliveries and weekly refuse collections during any potential access restrictions or full road closures. We discussed the impact on local businesses and advised UKPN of the key dates in the diary for the town’s outside events over the summer months, to which they have advised they will work with us to reduce any impact on these dates. This includes the Uckfield Festival, Lions Fete, Weald on the Field and the Uckfield Carnival subject to these events going ahead in line with UK Government Covid guidance.
The focus of UKPN’s work over the next four to five weeks is on Lewes Road between the junction of New Road and the Highlands roundabout. Their aim is to complete this section of works as quickly as possible with additional resource onsite, but safety is paramount and unfortunately the road closure will enable them to carry out the works in a safe and efficient manner.
Please see communications from UKPN’s Project Manager which has been set out in a letter sent to residents located on and off Lewes Road, Uckfield:
I am writing to update you about our work to install new electricity cables between Bell Farm Lane and Lewes Road to provide a new connection to our electricity network.
Following meetings today with local councillors, East Sussex highways authority and local businesses, I am writing to inform you on our plans for re-commencing our works on Lewes Road.
Our works will resume on Wednesday this week (23.06.2021) under a road closure from the junction of New Road to New Town. We plan to complete our works by 23.07.2021 and we will keep all residents informed throughout our works. Where there are changes, these will be communicated as soon as possible.
Works are planned for 7 day working as per existing permit conditions i.e. Monday-Friday 07:00-19:00, Saturday 09:00-17:00 and Sunday 09:00 – 13:00.
Please note that Ridgewood Post Office & Stores will remain open for business as usual during our works and additional signs will be erected to make residents aware of this.
Access will be provided in both directions and at all times to residents and businesses along Lewes Road; access for refuse collections and deliveries will also be accommodated. We will do our utmost to assist where we can with additional traffic control officers on site at all times during our works.
Please note that all bus services will be diverted via the A22 and Eastbourne Road. Additional signage will be provided to make sure that the diversion route is clear.
We understand that cars park along Lewes Road. Where we can, we will be accommodating but there may be occasions where require vehicles to be removed in order for us to progress with our duct installation. Where this is the case, this will be identified upfront and car owners notified in advance. If you do have alternative places to park, we would be grateful if you are able to keep parking on Lewes Road to a minimum during our works.
If you have questions have not been answered in this letter, please do not hesitate to contact our contractor’s streetworks and stakeholder manager, Lindsey Eve on 0845 200 0214 or UK Power Networks’ customer care team on 0800 028 4587 or care@ukpowernetworks.co.uk and we will do our best to address any concerns you may have.
We thank you for your kind consideration while we carry out our works.
Yours sincerely
Camilla Lambert
Project Manager for UK Power Networks
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