Concern over 'abandoned' car

Apparently the red Nissan Sunny which appeared outside the Buxted Pharmacy and Store about a month ago is taxed and legally parked so cannot be shifted unless the owner decides to move it.

Parish council chairman Ms Alison Crowe said the shops were upset about the car taking up parking space and villagers were concerned because it added to difficulties in exiting Church Road on to the A272.

'People frequently park on double yellow lines which means as you come out of Church Road you can't see up the hill. This car is not in an ideal spot, it is slightly off the sight line but other people are parking behind it on double yellow lines, even if there is a space in front they could use,' said Ms Crowe.

She added that neighbourhood policeman PC Richard Hudson had told the council that because the car was taxed and legally parked nothing could be done about it.

The last registered owner had been tracked down to Surrey but the car had not been stolen and while police had a reasonable idea who the new owner was they might not follow up the case because the car was not causing an obstruction.

'It looks as if nothing can be done until the tax runs out at the end of January and then the car can be reported to Wealden Council to go through due procedure to trace the owners. If they can't be traced then the car can be moved,' said Ms Crowe.

Joint owners of the pharmacy and store Mr John and Mr Prash Patel are concerned about the car taking up the parking space which could cost them passing trade. 'There's nothing wrong with the car,' said Mr Prash Patel.

'It has four wheels and has not been vandalised. It's probably got a flat battery by now but otherwise it's just been abandoned. It is a nuisance on this very busy main road and could cause an accident. We have told the police and the parish council, everybody knows about it yet nothing has been done.'