James MacCleary, Liberal Democrat MP for the Lewes constituency, which includes Polegate, has called on ministers to urgently act on pavement parking after raising the issue in Parliament.

James highlighted Polegate’s “bizarre and unfair” situation, where Wealden District Council has never decriminalised parking – leaving enforcement to the police, who understandably have other priorities. As a result, pavement parking goes unchecked, blocking access for wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs, damaging pavements, and choking off trade on Polegate High Street.

James MacCleary, MP for Lewes, Polegate, Seaford, Newhaven and surrounding villages, said: “Pavement parking isn’t just a nuisance – it’s a daily barrier for people in Polegate and across my constituency. Parents are forced into the road with prams, wheelchair users are left stranded, and local businesses are losing out because customers can’t park safely.

“This is completely solvable, but government inaction has left communities like Polegate abandoned. Scotland and Northern Ireland have acted, Wales is about to – why is England still stuck in limbo?

“It’s time ministers stopped sitting on their hands and gave councils the powers they need to end this once and for all. Pavements are for people, not vehicles.”

James MacCleary, Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes - which includes Polegate, Seaford, Newhaven, and surrounding villages - has called on the Government to urgently address the growing crisis of anti-social parking in Polegate, which is making life miserable for local residents and businesses.

In Parliament, James highlighted the daily impact of dangerous and inconsiderate parking  - and the total lack of effective enforcement to tackle it.

He is calling for a dedicated parliamentary debate to explore how the Government can give local councils the powers and resources they need to deal with the problem properly.

James said: “People in Polegate are fed up with anti-social parking which blocks pavements, damages our high streets and causes chaos outside their homes. Local businesses lose out, residents are forced to put up with it -  and nothing changes. That’s simply not good enough.

“We need urgent action to stop this blight on our communities. This is why I’m calling for an urgent debate in Parliament on the Polegate parking crisis. I’ll keep pushing ministers to step up and make sure towns like Polegate, Seaford, Newhaven and our surrounding villages aren’t left to suffer because of a lack of enforcement and support.”

Willingdon and Polegate are now one step closer to having a new medical facility, after Wealden District Council announced the purchase of the land in auction.

Local MP James MacCleary, the local councils, and NHS leaders are working together to address the healthcare needs of the area.

The proposed centre aims to address a shortage of space for GPs, who are struggling to meet growing demand. Polegate and Willingdon have an increasingly older-than-average population, making new healthcare facilities essential.

The Hindsland site originally identified for a feasibility study by Wealden District Council has now been acquired by the Council as the land unexpectedly went to auction and the opportunity was quickly seized on.

James MacCleary is still calling for a satellite facility to remain in Polegate town centre as well, to improve accessibility but welcomes this huge step forwards into making the new site a reality.

James MacCleary, MP for the Lewes constituency, which includes Polegate and Willingdon, said: "This is a huge step forward for Polegate and Willingdon. The Hindsland site purchase shows that we are committed to getting this facility built for residents. Residents have been let down for too long by delays and lack of funds, but now we are making real progress. I remain committed to working with the local councils, the NHS Integrated Care Board and residents to get the residents in Polegate and Willingdon the healthcare facility they deserve.

“Since my election last year, I have met with key stakeholders regularly to push this forward, and whilst we have some way to go, I am growing in confidence that we will get this site delivered.”

The council’s press release can be seen here; Council secures site for new Polegate and Willingdon Medical Centre - Wealden District Council - Wealden District Council

The next steps for a new health facility serving Willingdon and Polegate have been given the green light after passing through Wealden District Council's cabinet. Local MP James MacCleary, local councils, and NHS leaders are working together to address the healthcare needs of the area.

The proposed centre aims to address a shortage of space for GPs, who are struggling to meet growing demand. Polegate and Willingdon have an increasingly older-than-average population, making new healthcare facilities essential.

Two potential sites—Hindsland and Mornings Mill—have already been identified for development, as both areas are being developed for housing and already have outline planning approval. Feasibility studies will now determine the most suitable location for the new facility.

Consultations will form part of the next steps in the process. James MacCleary has been advocating for a facility to remain in Polegate town centre to improve accessibility.

The council has stated that the project will include sustainable design, renewable energy sources, energy-efficient systems, and enhanced transport links to promote walking, cycling, and public transport use.

Polegate and Willingdon have been identified as priority areas for healthcare investment by the Sussex Integrated Care Board, as current facilities are unable to expand or meet modern standards.

James MacCleary, MP for the Lewes constituency, which includes Polegate and Willingdon, said: "This is a top priority for Polegate and Willingdon, and for me as the MP. This remains one of my ongoing priorities, from councils to NHS leaders, to keep progress moving. Prior to my election there were a lot of promises made, but progress halted and funding wasn't found. There's still work to be done, but I will continue pushing to ensure we deliver the first-class healthcare facilities that residents in Polegate and Willingdon deserve.

"I encourage residents to engage with the consultation as it opens, so they can help shape the project to best suit the needs of the local community."

 

Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Polegate, James MacCleary, has called for urgent action from East Sussex County Council over the condition of School Lane and Oakleaf Drive.

The two roads meet outside Polegate Primary School and are at the beginning of the popular Cuckoo Trail. The road has been reported repeatedly by residents and councillors but the council's response has been inadequate. They recently filled three small potholes while leaving the rest of the crumbling road surface untouched. 

Oakleaf Drive was also recently closed by East Sussex Highways for work for several days but only a small section of the road was patched.

Polegate's Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, James MacCleary, says: "To leave this road in such atrocious condition is a disgrace. It is not the only road in Polegate in bad condition but it is the only one with a large primary school and the beginning of the Cuckoo Trail on it. 

"For East Sussex Highways to come along and look at this road surface and consider it to be in generally good condition is astounding. It's even worse as they recently shut the road for repairs but only patched a small section.

"They need to resurface the road urgently as it is becoming a hazard. Drivers are having to swerve to avoid the trenches in the road which is even more dangerous when you consider that there are small children trying to get into school every day. Add to that the cyclists and walkers accessing the Cuckoo Trail and it is beyond belief that they would do nothing about it.

"I have written to East Sussex Highways asking them to take urgent action to do their job and fix this road!"

Local Liberal Democrat town councillor, Andy O'Kane, adds: "We all know that Polegate gets a bad deal and is so often overlooked by the Conservatives running the County Council. Just around the corner from Oakleaf Drive there is our library that they shut down for instance. 

"It is time that we were treated fairly and the town got the attention it deserves. We will keep up the pressure to get the crumbling roads, pavements, and kerbs across our town repaired properly."