OREANDA-NEWS. The permission, granted by Lewes District Council’s planning committee tonight (Wednesday), allows the railway to remove the old wooden gates and put modern equipment in their place.

Work is already underway to reopen the road, which should be achieved by February.

Network Rail’s area director Steve Knight said: “This is a positive step for the many people who use the road, for the safety of the level crossing, and for tax and fare payers.

“I am sorry that our neighbours and road users had to endure such a long period of disruption and we are well on the way to getting the road reopened.

“The gates have been stored securely and will be kept safely until they can be moved to a new location.”

NOTES

The modern equipment being installed at the crossing will consist of flashing red lights, full barriers and obstacle detection technology. It will offer a much greater level of safety for both road users and train passengers.

The gates had been listed as part of the curtilage of the Grade II listing of the signalbox, which will stay where it is.=