Coach smashes into Landgate Arch

Windows were smashed showering the road with glass as the huge vehicle scraped along the monument before becoming stuck.

The coach was carrying school children on a visit from South London.

Nobody was hurt but the road was blocked for more than an hour while police tried to get the coach out and clear up the debris.

It is the latest in a series of incidents where large vehicles have becoming stuck while trying to squeeze under the narrow arch.

Now there are growing concerns that the arch will be permanently damaged and that emergency vehicles will be blocked.

John Bragge, who owns an antique shop opposite the arch, said: "This happens time and time again. It is usually big continental HGV's .

I really can't see why there is all this delay when a sign would solve it – it is that simple.

"It just needs a sign with a height and width warning.

"There was glass all over the road, which was being swept up by one of our local policemen.

"The town centre was blocked for more than an hour. What would have happened if a fire engine or ambulance needed to get through?"

He added: "The police did a very good job in taking control of the situation and getting the coach out.

It was too big to reverse around Tower Street so, with a police escort, it had to back out down Landgate to the main road.

A Landgate resident, who did not want to be named, said: "There was a large crowd gathered and a long trail of black glass shards along the road."

Mr Bragge said: I have since been told by the highways department that they provided Rye Town Council with information on signs that could be put up and said they were willing to carry out the work.

"They just needed permission from the Town Council before they went ahead but did not hear anything back from them."

Rye Town Clerk Richard Farhall said: "We held a site meeting last year, involving Rye councillors, Rother council, the police and highways authority, to try and find a solution.

"We walked the route that heavy vehicles use in the town and came to the conclusion that signage was not especially clear, particularly for driver of foreign vehicles.

"Brian Banks, from East Sussex County Council, has drafted a signage scheme. I tried twice to arrange another meeting and further this but there were not sufficient councillors available and it has lost impetus."

Mr Farhall has put the issue on the agenda for the July 5 planning meeting and invited John Bragge along to address the committee on the problems.