Football party is spreading its political wings

12:32pm Saturday 12th August 2006

With a name such as the Seagulls Party you might expect them to be a single issue political group.

But the organisation set up to save Brighton and Hove Albion has set its sights on broader issues, including transport improvements in a village.

Seagull Ed Bassford, who is contesting the by-election for the vacant seat on Lewes District Council on August 17, has had his plans for junction improvements at Glynde approved by the Government.

The A27 Beddingham level-crossing scheme will now include a proposal put forward by Mr Bassford at last year's public inquiry to improve the junction at Glynde to give residents better access to the highway.

A separate proposal for similar improvements at Firle was not incorporated but a guarantee was made that the Highways Agency would consider it in future.

Mr Bassford put forward his plans as a councillor on Firle Parish Council.

He argued they were necessary to help traffic safely join the A27 because traffic speeds and volumes would increase with the removal of tailbacks at the existing crossing.

Mr Bassford said: "This news will be welcomed by local people who have been living with long traffic queues at Beddingham for years."

In a thinly veiled attack on those who are opposing the Albion's plans for a stadium at Falmer on environmental grounds, he said: "The new bridge will undoubtedly have an impact on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

"But it is gratifying that Ruth Kelly has recognised that it is important to strike the right balance between protecting the area and meeting the needs of people in Sussex."