September 28th, 2026.
Liberal Democrat councillors have criticised Lewes District Council over continued problems with missing bus shelters, with residents across the district left without shelter for months. The Lib Dems previously raised concerns over removed shelters in Seaford, Newhaven and Peacehaven. Shelters have since also been removed along the coast, leaving residents without somewhere to sit or shelter while waiting for buses.
Some sites have also been left with broken glass, litter and trip hazards following the removals.
Newhaven and Bishopstone Lib Dem county councillor Lesley Boniface explained: “This has gone on for far too long. Residents have been left standing in the heat and now the rain, often with nowhere to sit or shelter, and that is particularly difficult for elderly and disabled residents who rely on public transport.
“What has made this worse is the lack of communication. Ward councillors have been left trying to get answers while residents are asking us when their shelters will come back.
“I understand that projects can have problems, but the way this has been managed has been shambolic. The council needs to get a grip of this and make sure residents are properly kept informed.
"Along with many other local people I'm fed up.“
Councillor Olivia Honeyman, Seaford South added: "This situation is getting ridiculous. We've seen residents showing at bus stops up with their own collapsible chairs.
“For those who rely on buses, bus shelters are an important part of getting around and waiting safely for their bus.
“We raised concerns about missing shelters months ago and yet residents are still being left without them, with some facing several more months before replacements are installed.
“The council should have been much clearer with residents and ward councillors about what was happening and when the shelters would be replaced.
“Residents deserve better than being left to stand in the rain or heat with no idea when things will be put right.”
Pictured: Councillors Carolyn Lambert on the left, and Lesley Boniface.