Uckfield Civic Centre steps cause concern even after repairs

Town councillors are considering what to do about steps next to Uckfield Civic Centre which have been repaired twice in the past year at a cost of £1,229.

The council has been told that the work already done will not be a long term solution because the steps are set in cement laid on earth which is constantly moving.

A report to Monday’s meeting of the general purposes committee says a builder who carried out repairs suggests two flights of steps at the front of the Civic Centre be dismantled and rebuilt. This would cost about £4,000.

Chartered surveyors carrying out a schedule of works for the Civic Centre have suggested two options.

One would be to retain the existing six sets of steps, providing new purpose built concrete steps, or using paving slaps, laid on a purpose-made base with handrails reinstated but with anti-skate studs on them.

Another option would be to keep two central sets of steps, having laid them on a purpose-made base, and create raised planters in the place of other steps.

The report to councillors says a cheaper option would be to leave the steps as they are but place street planters at the top and bottom of them. This would prevent the steps being used as jumping ramps for skateboards and roller blades.