Recently, concerns have been raised that a traditional streetlight in West Street, part of the town’s heritage, might be about to be replaced when contractors for East Sussex Highways were seen at work.
David Bookless, chairman of the Rye Conservation Society, was made aware of the actions of East Sussex Highways. “When questioned the operator said that it had been authorised. Given that the cobbled street is in the heart of Rye Conservation Area this seems unlikely and we were not aware of any proposals. On the base of the cast iron lamps is a traditional Sussex shield which I believe should also be protected, we would ask readers to inform us of any other removals of this kind, as if a private owner sought to do something like this they would be most unlikely to get permission and the streetlights are part of the towns heritage which we seek to protect. After all West Street including its lights and cobbles is one of the most photographed streets in the count and it is essential that they remain and are maintained.”
In a statement from East Sussex County Council these fears were laid to rest. “There are no plans to remove the traditional streetlamps in Rye. A wall bracket supporting a heritage lantern has recently been removed from the side of a listed building on West Street due to faulty wiring.
“Because of the listed status of the property, we have been advised by the principle conservation officer at Rother District Council not to reattach a new wall bracket to the building. Our street lighting team are currently working with the principle conservation officer on a suitable replacement streetlight.”
Image Credits: David Bookless .
My guess is that the lamp was there before the listing in which case it forms part of the designation and should be reinstated as soon as the wiring is corrected.
This would be far less invasive than any ‘suitable replacement streetlight’.
Btw..where is the old light now?