Wall demolition upsets neighbours

RESIDENTS of a Lewes estate are up in arms about the sudden partial demolition of an ancient flint wall.

The wall leads towards the old Landport Farmhouse and is part of a local beauty spot.

Lewes District Council says it is unsafe and a danger to local children.

But residents of nearby Buckwell Court think otherwise.

'It was a beautiful old wall and a danger to no one,' said one resident who did not wish to be named. 'It had been there a century or more.

'The council had no right to pull it down without telling us first.'

And another resident Helen Baczyk said: 'It was a lovely old wall. You might as well say all old walls are unsafe.

'They didn't tell us they were going to do it. We are appalled.'

Disintegrating

The road runs north of Fuller Road along open space to Landport Farm Bottom. About nine metres of it have been taken down

A Lewes District Council spokesman said: 'The problem is the wall is disintegrating with age. Also trees are growing through it and pushing it over; but as it is mostly so overgrown, no one can get near it.

'There are three small sections where work is being carried out. In these three places the wall is accessible and children sit on it or play beside it as the area is a local amenity and public open space.

'These parts are being removed as it is a dangerous structure. The council has a duty of care to make it safe.'

It has not been yet decided whether the wall will be replaced or not.