Hastings Road Project Delay Leads to Millions in Business Losses, MP Reports

An MP has stated that businesses have “lost millions” due to the prolonged delay in the completion of a road in Hastings. The Queensway Gateway Road Project, initially scheduled for completion in November 2016, still has its final section unfinished, a situation exacerbated by an unsuccessful judicial review. Helena Dollimore, the Member of Parliament for Hastings and Rye, informed the House of Commons on Thursday that local residents refer to the project as the “road to nowhere.” A spokesperson for East Sussex County Council, the body responsible for the project’s oversight, stated: “We are committed to completing the Queensway Gateway Road project as soon as possible.” This road is intended to link Queensway with either Sedlescombe Road North or the A21 in the northern areas of Hastings/St Leonards. Ms Dollimore elaborated that her constituents use the term “road to nowhere” because “it has been left unfinished for over a decade.” She further stated: “East Sussex County Council has let the works overrun for months and months, leaving residents and businesses stuck in delays. Local businesses have lost millions.” The local authority indicated that on-site work experienced delays “due to significant remedial works,” which are now nearing completion, and also due to a burst water main, which has since been repaired. A spokesperson commented: “We are working with our delivery partners to plan the next phase of work and are exploring all options for accelerating construction in the New Year.”