Apology from WSCC regarding the closure of Selsfield Road

Response from West Sussex County Council Streetworks

Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns regarding the recent road closure on Selsfield Road.

Firstly, I would like to apologise for the inconvenience and disruption caused to you, other road users, and the local community. We fully appreciate the frustration that situations like this can cause, particularly when diversions are not appropriate or communication has fallen short.

South East Water had permission from West Sussex County Council (WSCC) to close the road on 9th April. However, on 10th April, Network Management was informed of a significant and unexpected increase in traffic using Cob Lane, which is clearly not a suitable "like for like" diversion route.

Upon investigation, it became clear that South East Water had implemented traffic management without the appropriate permissions in place.

We raised this issue with South East Water immediately and instructed that the site be cleared the same day. The incorrect diversion and the premature installation of traffic management measures were both unacceptable. We have made it clear to South East Water that traffic management must not be installed prior to the agreed start date, and must not be implemented unless works are due to commence without delay.

Several mistakes were made in this instance, including the failure to keep WSCC adequately informed. These issues have been formally raised with South East Water and their contractor, and we will work closely with them to ensure that important lessons are learned and changes are made to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Your feedback is extremely valuable and helps us to continue improving how we manage works on the highway.

West Sussex County Council Streetworks