Local MP Norman Baker has for years been campaigning to outlaw the anti-social practice in the town but was originally told by the county council they had no powers to deal with it. He then, while transport minister, wrote to them to give them the powers they needed, but still no action followed. Now, following more pressure, the council looks likely to finally act.

In a letter to the MP, the council says: “A report will be presented to Lead Member meeting later this year outlining a process by which some localised restrictions could be introduced and enforced. High Street and School Hill in Lewes will be included in the assessment of that report”

Norman says: “This action is long overdue, but I am glad that it seems that the council is finally taking action. Only this week I have had a local resident contact me who had a nasty fall tripping on a broken pavement which required hospital treatment”

“For too long thoughtless drivers have been damaging paving stones, costing the council unnecessary expenditure at a time of tight budgets, and also forcing pedestrians out into the road.”

The MP has also asked the police to take action against pavement parkers when they come across them.