Calls for Eastbourne's pavements to be made more accessible

Eastbourne Borough Council is calling for pavements to be made more accessible across the town.

It passed a motion to improve them for people using mobility scooters and walking aids and focus on a new approach which will see improvements to accessibility stretch beyond the town centre.

The motion was put forward by the councils Disability Champion Teri Sayers-Cooper, who reminded councillors that "safe pavements are not a luxury - they are basic infrastructure that determine whether someone can leave their home independently."

Meanwhile, a local resident described that a lack of accessibility makes his journeys "treacherous" and "impossible without risk".

An audit will now be requested to look into things like uneven pathways and lack of dropped kerbs.

Cllr Stephen Holt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council said: “Being able to travel safely to the shops, to a bus stop, or to see friends is fundamental to mental and physical wellbeing. No resident should feel confined to their home because the pavement outside is unsafe.”

The Council says that the unanimous vote reflects a shared commitment across the Council to improving accessibility and ensuring that all residents can move freely and safely around Eastbourne.

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