SHRIMP (St Leonards and Hastings Rail Improvement Programme) is voicing it's concern over a dangerous pedestrian crossing in Station Approach. The crossing, just inside Station Approach at the traffic lights, has lowered and studded pavements but no pedestrian lights.
Following the opening of the new Station Plaza Health Complex and the South Coast College, the pedestrian useage of this crossing is increasing.
Station Approach is heavily used by buses and taxis, some of which have to undertake a 180 degree turn from Priory St, others turning left from Havelock Road; in all cases the drivers have a limited view of the crossing, where pedestrians have to guess the traffic flows. When pedestrians are crossing towards the Health Complex, their view of traffic flow is also restricted.
Martin Woodfine o.b.o. SHRIMP says: "This is a serious accident waiting to happen. The situation regarding missing pedestrian lights at the Station Approach crossing needs to be addressed quickly".
Amber Rudd MP says: "This is clearly an unsatisfactory situation and I would expect this to be resolved as a matter of urgency."
Kevin Boorman, o.b.o. Hastings Borough Council, advised SHRIMP that the land is not under ESCC control as it is privately owned by Network Rail, with the Station premises under management by South East Trains (SET).
SET Public Affairs Manager Mike Gibson was approached by Ray Chapman o.b.o. SHRIMP, 3rd June. SHRIMP are awaiting SETs response.