'Dubious' benefits of link road

The document, published by the Hastings Alliance for Sustainable Transport Solutions (HASTS) concludes there are cheaper and more effective ways of delivering regeneration benefits to Hastings and Bexhill, and that these would be much closer to the original 'Five Point Plan' produced by the Regional Development Agency (SEEDA) and the local authorities.

The report, 'Bexhill to Hastings Link Road '“ regeneration issues revisited' was commissioned by HASTS and produced by consultants Urban and Regional Policy.

The group wish to see a package of rail, traffic management and limited road improvements, integrated with environmental, housing and training measures, to ease congestion and attract investment.

"Great claims are usually made by promoters of road schemes as to the benefits they will bring" said Nick Bingham, chairman of HASTS.

"But in the case of another local scheme, the A27 Polegate bypass/A22 new route, East Sussex County Council can provide no evidence whatsoever that any new jobs were created as a result of its construction."

On the 'frequently asked questions' section of the county website, the county council emphasise the road will give better access to the Conquest Hospital, create jobs, give access to much needed housing developments, improve traffic flow and reduce accidents.

They say 84 per cent of the 2,500 people who replied to a consultation questionnaire on the subject were in favour of the road.