Shop site 'overrun with rodents'

Local residents say the site is an eyesore and overrun with rats

Residents of an East Sussex town are upset that a plot of land bought by a supermarket chain has fallen into disrepair and become overrun with rats.

The site at North Street, Hailsham, was bought four years ago by Tesco, but it has failed to get planning permission and so nothing has been done with it.

Wealden District Council said it was only interested in considering long-term solutions for the land.

Tesco said it was working with planners to develop and improve the site.

A spokesman for the chain said: "We appreciate the views of local people and it is in nobody's interest for the site to be deemed a nuisance.

Undesirables use the place at night and the whole place is infested with rats Robin Sadler

"We will review the situation and if there are any practical measures we can take to improve the site in the short term then we will, of course, do so."

The land extends back from the road about 200 yards and is made up of a collection of buildings that have fallen into disrepair.

Residents say the area is covered in rubbish, smashed glass and rodents.

Dilapidated buildings

Robin Sadler, who runs the Grenadier pub next door to the site, described the area as a disgrace and said the council needed to take action.

"The buildings are dilapidated, totally run down and overgrown," he said.

"Undesirables use the place at night and the whole place is infested with rats - the whole area needs to be cleared up and sorted out."

Ian Kay of Wealden District Council said: "I can well understand people's frustration... but we have to get an acceptable scheme, not a short-term solution that merely tidies up the site.