March 6th, 2025.



Lewes MP James MacCleary has slammed East Sussex County Council for its failure to deliver progress on the long-delayed Exceat Bridge project, branding the delays and spiralling costs a waste of taxpayers’ money.

Despite years of promises from the previous Conservative MP and Government, the project remains mired in setbacks. The initial estimated cost of £10.5m, including nearly £8m in Levelling Up funding, has since ballooned, with £4.6m already spent on legal fees, land acquisition, and planning, yet no construction has started.

At its Cabinet meeting this week, East Sussex County Council deferred the decision on the Exceat Bridge project. The Cabinet resolved to defer consideration of this item in light of different funding options and tasked officers with investigating the issues and potential solutions raised by local stakeholders. A report is to be brought back to Cabinet, while the Council reviews funding streams, including the possibility of using funds from the Bus Services Improvements Plan, as the scale and options for the project are re-evaluated.

The council is now proposing a single-lane bridge with permanent traffic lights, at an estimated total cost of £9.7m.

James MacCleary has welcomed this as the only realistic solution within the current budget. The current temporary traffic lights were installed at the request of Seaford County Councillor Carolyn Lambert.

James MacCleary has written to East Sussex County Council, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the project’s future, the need to reduce disruption, and the importance of proper consultation with local communities.

James MacCleary MP said: “This is a sad case of East Sussex County Council’s indecision and failure, massively letting down local residents. Residents are rightly furious. The council has wasted millions of pounds without producing any results. The people of Seaford and surrounding villages like East Dean deserve better.

“The council just needs to commit to a plan, engage with residents and councillors, and get on with it. Enough dithering, we need action, not more delays and excuses. While the single-lane bridge with traffic lights is the only realistic solution within the current budget, we must ensure it is delivered with minimal disruption and proper consultation. I was concerned that a two-lane bridge would increase traffic and speeding through Seaford and nearby villages, making safety a serious issue.

“I am calling for an urgent meeting with the council to discuss these concerns and ensure local voices are heard. Though the council continues to postpone decisive action, we need clear communication, proper consultation, and a real commitment to getting this project right.”

Councillor Carolyn Lambert, Liberal Democrat County Councillor for Seaford, added: “The Exceat Bridge project has been dragging on for far too long at enormous cost to taxpayers. Local businesses and residents are appalled by the proposed 22-week road closure and the lack of meaningful engagement. It’s time for the council to listen and take action.”