Stolen metal grates spark safety fears

This month nearly 100 metal grates have been stolen from the across county creating potentially fatal hazards for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

Grates have been ripped out of the road in Lewes, Firle, Halland and 16 grates have been taken from the Cliffe Industrial Estate in Lewes.

In April 150 grates were stolen in East Sussex, and most likely sold for scrap metal.

East Sussex County Council is asking people to be aware of the potential danger of open drainage holes and to report any they see are missing or any people acting suspiciously.

Councillor Matthew Lock said: 'These thieves are not only stealing public property and delaying much needed work on the roads, but are putting the public in danger.

'I would urge anyone who has any information that may help catch these vandals to call East Sussex Highways Department or Sussex Police.'

The exposed holes can be anything up to a metre deep and are a massive risk to the public.

Workers from the county council's highways department are trying to replace the grates, more make the drains safe, as soon as possible, but the additional demand on manpower could mean other roadworks may be delayed.

Each grate costs up to 300 to replace and the county council is talking to scrap metal dealers and asking them to report anyone attempting to sell the stolen grates.

To report a missing grate or anyone acting suspiciously call East Sussex Highways on 0845 60 80 193 or Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999.