Cycle path gets the green light

East Sussex County Council will complete the route in Harbour Road begun following the tragic death in 2004 of 22-year-old cyclist Graham Matthews.

The first three sections, linking Rye Harbour Village to Rye Paddock, were completed between 2006 and 2008, but the final phase was delayed due to availability of land and funding issues.

Now, the council has devised a scheme which avoids the need to acquire additional land, and has identified £300,000 funding for the project.

The scheme was approved on Monday (January 26) .

The authority plans to name the route ‘Graham’s Way’ in tribute to Mr Matthews, and hopes to complete it before the end of the summer.

Council leader Keith Glazier said: “We have always been clear that the completion of this route was vital to making this stretch of road safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

“Graham’s family have very eloquently expressed the importance they attach to the scheme, and the positive response we received to the consultation confirmed there was strong public support to press on with phase four.

“We understand the frustration caused by the delay in finishing the project and I’d like to thank the family and other residents for their patience. As well as improving safety it will provide a fitting, and lasting, tribute to Graham.”