Stolen grates found near Uckfield
Thirty-two gulley grates stolen in Ringmer have been found in a field near Down Street between Nutley and Piltdown.
The grates were stolen on last Tuesday and found on Saturday by a farmer ploughing his field. He told the Police and they contacted the Highways Office who now have the grates ready to be replaced in Bradford Lane, Ringmer.
East Sussex County Council said in a press release that thieves stealing metal grates from road drains leave a series of potentially fatal hazards for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
"The exposed chamber holes are approximtely 300mm by 450mm and can be up to one metre in depth. These holes in the road could cause serious accidents."
The press release goes on to say it is assumed the grates are stolen for their scrap metal value. "Each grate can cost up to £500 to replace. Recovering these 32 grates has saved the council up to £16,000.
County duty officer Steve Fitch is pictured below with the grates found in a field.
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(Added to site Wednesday, October 19th, 2011)
.jpg "Chance to raise planning queries with council officer in Uckfield")
