By Councillor Stephen Shing
The prolonged dry conditions appear to be contributing to cracks and movement in the ground beneath some pavements. There are concerns that, if these problems are not identified and repaired early, they could become more serious and result in additional repair costs for East Sussex County Council.
We are seeing more cracks appearing on pavements and footways across the county, and the recent hot and dry weather appears to be putting additional pressure on the ground beneath them.
This is something we should not ignore. Small cracks can develop into much bigger problems, and that could mean additional pressure on the highways budget at a time when councils are already facing significant financial pressures.
I am urging residents to report cracks and other damage to pavements and footways following the recent hot and dry weather.
I am also concerned about what could happen when winter arrives. Rain, freezing temperatures and frost can make existing cracks worse and contribute to the development of potholes.
We could very quickly find ourselves facing another pothole problem across East Sussex.
That is why I am asking residents to report cracks and other damage as soon as they see them. Early reporting gives the highways team the opportunity to inspect the problem and decide what action may be needed before it becomes more serious.
Residents are the eyes and ears of their local communities. If you see a cracked or damaged pavement, please report it rather than assuming someone else has already done so.
It may only take a few minutes to make a report, but that information could help prevent a small problem from becoming a much more expensive repair.
Residents Can Help
Residents are encouraged to report cracked pavements, damaged footways, potholes and other highway defects to East Sussex County Council.
When reporting a problem, residents should provide the location and a clear description of the defect. A photograph can also be helpful where it is safe to take one.
Report a highways problem: https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/roads-transport/roads/maintenance/
We cannot afford to wait until cracks become potholes before taking action. Early intervention is important if we want to protect our pavements, keep people safe and avoid unnecessary costs for taxpayers.
I would encourage residents throughout East Sussex to keep an eye on their local pavements and report defects when they see them. The sooner problems are identified, the better chance we have of dealing with them before they get worse.