Concern grows over notorious road

Debbie Cumming, 55, has lived with her family at Carters Corner, on Cowbeech Road, for more than 22 years.

But she has to give her 15-year-old daughter lifts to Heathfield School every day as she thinks it is too dangerous for her to walk along the main road to catch the school bus around the corner.

There is no pavement for pedestrians and any children wanting to get the bus have to jump off the road to avoid cars swinging around the bend.

Mrs Cumming said: 'It is an absolute nightmare doing the school run.

'It is quite impossible to allow children to walk this lane to the school bus stop.

'We have been dismayed at the amount of fast traffic using this lane.

'The speed of the traffic is horrifying.'

East Sussex County Council has been contacted by Mrs Cumming, a gardener, about the situation.

She added: 'I have been in correspondence with a councillor since the beginning of this year regarding the safety of our lane but have got nowhere.'

Last week the Express reported horse riders' fears on the same stretch of road and several residents have spoken of their fears a death crash was waiting to happen.

Many readers have contacted the Express with their concerns.

Andrew and Ruth Toye said: 'As residents of Carters Corner we have been alarmed for many years at the speeds with which many vehicles approach the bends especially from the Cowbeech direction.

An incident we recall is the overturning of a bus with school children on board with thankfully no serious injuries.

Also, 200yds downhill from the bends,in November 2005,a lady pedestrian was knocked down and died later from her injuries.'

Richard Bear and Joy Brockway live at the foot of Cowbeech Hill, near Carters Corner Farm.

Mr Bear said: 'The combination of a narrow road with deceptive bends, giving poor sight lines, is lethal.

'Does someone have to be killed to get something done?'

The county council will not put double white markings down in the centre of the road as it says the crash record is not high enough.

It is reviewing the situation for other road markings but a spokesman said: 'This stretch of road has a very good accident record and therefore is not a high priority.'

Mrs Cumming wants double white markings and signs restricting drivers put in place.

What do you think? Do you believe this stretch of the Cowbeech Road is dangerous for children? Email us at [email protected] or comment below