Tree planting boosts link road’s ‘green’ credentials

More than 14,000 trees and shrubs have been planted as part of a major environmental scheme associated with the Bexhill to Hastings link road.

The programme will eventually see 108,000 trees and shrubs planted, as part of East Sussex County Council’s pledge to plant two trees for every one removed for work on the new road.

The environmental work being carried out will create 47 acres of woodland and see extensive hedgerow planting to provide cover while improving views and reducing traffic noise.

Meanwhile, favourable weather conditions have enabled progress on the construction of several bridges as well as significant work at both ends of the new highway, to be named Combe Valley Way.

Bob Pape, the county council’s link road project manager, said: “The early spring-like weather has given us an opportunity to move forward and I am pleased with the progress that has been made this month.

“The tree and shrub planting programme is a vital part of our commitment to mitigating the environmental impact of the scheme."