April 22nd, 2025.



Liberal Democrats attended today’s meeting of East Sussex County Council’s Cabinet to express deep concerns about the council’s Exceat bridge replacement project.

Residents and councillors were shocked when it was recently revealed that the council had already spent £5 million with nothing to show for it. There was further astonishment when it was revealed that an additional £11 million would be required to proceed with the original plan bringing the total price tag up to an eye-watering £21 million.

Cllr Carolyn Lambert, County Councillor for Seaford South, said: “I spoke at this morning’s council meeting because local residents are rightly alarmed by the spiralling cost of this project. Having already spent nearly £5 million with no clear output at all, East Sussex County Council are now saying that the overall cost will double to at least £21.8 million – and that’s if there are no further overruns. Residents deserve answers.

“I also have real concerns about the knock on effect on traffic volumes in Seaford itself. Making it easier and faster to drive through Exceat will undoubtedly encourage more drivers to use it as an alternative to the A27 - especially when there is disruption - which will only add to existing pinch points in the town like the mini roundabout outside the train station. I am very worried that this has not been properly thought through.

Local MP, James MacCleary, who also attended the meeting, added: “A replacement bridge at Exceat is much needed, but a project of this scale and cost should be able to also meet wider priorities around local cycling and walking facilities. It's frankly nonsensical to spend over £20 million of public money on a scheme that still leaves cycling from Seaford to Exceat dangerous and difficult. This should be an opportunity to promote sustainable transport, not sideline it.

“The council’s plans also raise serious concerns about road safety. Removing the traffic lights is likely to increase speeding in an area already hazardous for pedestrians near the visitor centre. Meanwhile, there appears to be no adequate plan to deal with diverted traffic when the A259 is closed to accommodate the construction work – something that would have serious implications for villages like Alfriston, Litlington and Lullington.

“I also spoke about the proposal to redirect over £11 million from the Bus Service Improvement Programme (BSIP). This heavily affects Newhaven in particular and I was amazed to hear that despite the cuts they are still going to press ahead with the bus lanes on The Drove that will bring very little benefit to bus users and enormous disruption for everyone else!

“I’ve invited the council’s Director of Transport personally to come to Newhaven to see in person to see the traffic issues for himself. We need to rethink the BSIP plans urgently and ensure public money is spent wisely.”


Pictured: James MacCleary and Carolyn Lambert at Exceat Bridge.