Work has been taking place this week to install dropped kerbs in Rye town centre. The footpath alterations follow a lengthy campaign to improve access for people with mobility issues.
The new kerbs are being installed by East Sussex Highways contractors on Rye High Street, Lion Street, and Market Road. Construction continues next week.
The work is the result of sustained community effort led by Rye campaigner Dan Lake, supported by volunteers, wheelchair users, and mobility scooter users, who have spent the past year raising awareness of the practical obstacles people face getting around Rye.
“This is great news,” said Dan Lake, “but there’s still a lot more work to be done. It’s good to know it’s heading in the right direction.”
Cllr Si McGurk of Rother District Council has worked to support the campaign since July last year. He praised Dan’s leadership. “Dan has worked tirelessly to bring this about, as well as doing so much else such as organising the Tilling Green sign and the Green Waves Festival.”
He says the campaign gained visibility during a Disability Awareness Day earlier this year when groups of wheelchair and mobility scooter users set off from Tilling Green Community Centre to tour Rye. “They highlighted the pinch points, uneven kerbs, and steep drops that make access difficult. Their lived experience and powerful advocacy have been central to driving these changes forward. This is a real community win: campaigners, councillors, and our MP working together to make Rye more inclusive and accessible for everyone.”
Dan Lake is now looking to form a Rye Disability Action Group to continue the work with local councils to improve pathways, install more dropped kerbs, and address wider barriers — while preserving Rye’s unique charm.
If you’d like to get involved, call 07584 435732 or email daniellake8@hotmail.com.
Dan has also been collaborating with A Rye Good Time creator Arabella Ansar to introduce a Mobility Accessible category on the town app. This feature will help disabled residents and visitors locate accessible shops, food and drink venues, leisure activities, parking, toilets, transport, hair and beauty services, community centres and more.
They are also working on an Accessible Rye Town Map to help people with mobility challenges navigate the town and reach its landmarks more easily.
Image Credits: James Stewart , Dan Lake and Si McGurk .