Roadworks throughcommunities to start

UK Power Networks is undertaking a £1 million underground cable replacement programme through Steyning and Bramber, which will start June 21.

The existing cable route, established in the 1960s, means it will be using existing ducts so will not have to dig long trenches in order to replace the 132,000-volt cable sections.

Work was due to begin earlier this year but has been delayed to ‘avoid excessive disturbance’.

A spokesperson for UK Power Network said: “Following discussions with the Highway Authority, the works through Steyning and Bramber were delayed so that there was adequate time for our work to be carried out to avoid excessive disturbance in and around the area.

“The excavations are due to start on the June 21 with the first bay in Goring Road and the bay on the by-pass .

“The section of Maudlin Lane from Clays Hill to Annigton Road will become access only from July 2 whilst the two bays in this section of Maudlin Lane are dug out. Vehicular access will be restricted at either end and at times the road may be closed especially when the cable is being pulled out and in.”

It is hoped that the roadworks through the villages will only last for seven days.

County councillor David Barling (Con, Bramber Castle) said: “I am pleased that UK Power Networks continue to keep me informed of progress on this project since it is so important generally to our area and in particular I want to keep traffic disruption to a minimum. I am, of course, concerned that people in Bramber will be inconvenienced during the period that Annington Road is closed while Maudlin Lane is dug out. This may take some weeks but I am delighted that the county has insisted that they work around the clock seven days a week to get this done.

“I will keep my parish council colleagues in Steyning and Bramber updated.”