A WOMAN has finally had a bench installed at a bus stop after two years of campaigning.

Susie Arlett has had disability issues for most of her life.

The 57-year-old from Lewes has been campaigning to have a bench built at a bus stop she uses regularly so she can sit down while waiting.

Now, after a two-year battle with Southern Rail, leaseholder of the land in Station Road, Lewes, where the stop is, the seat has been installed.

Ms Arlett said: “I am disabled, have been for a long time, and have issues with my balance and standing. My mother was very sick and she lives up in Kingston and I was having to get the bus to visit her three nights a week.

“There was just nowhere to sit on that road at all and sometimes you had to wait 20 to 30 minutes for a bus if it was late.”

Ms Arlett said issues with her spine make it almost impossible for her to stand for long.

Now the bench, which has been paid for by Lewes Town Council, is being well used by many other people as well as her.

She said: “It’s not just for disabled people anyway. Of course it’s there for them when they really need it and have no option, but it’s just also for everyone.

“I just think people don’t realise how much more of a challenge getting around can be when you have disabilities. I know what it’s like and we really needed this bench.

“When you’re disabled you suddenly realise what you take for granted. Cars parked on the pavement become an issue for you and small steps everywhere and potholes. A shelter is the next thing I am fighting for.”

Ms Arlett is a member of Lewes Area Access Group, an organisation which strives to make accessibility easier for everyone.

Chairwoman Jean Lawrence said: “The group is working for access for all and this bench was seriously needed.

“Lewes is hilly, it’s a challenging town to be in if you are disabled and have mobility issues so we strive to make sure it’s more accessible for people. ”

Ms Lawrence said there have been other improvements in the town. The new Unity Centre, a wellbeing centre set up in the Turkish Baths in Friars Walk, will have a “changing space”, a which makes changing more accessible for disabled people.

She said: “These changing spaces are so rare. There are only a couple around, one in Eastbourne and one in Brighton.

“They are so important because if someone is in a wheelchair it can be difficult if they need to change.

“It can be so hard for people who are physically restricted and we want to make those obstacles that are really unnecessary a lot less frequent. That is what our group is all about.

“Susie has just represented what we all do – and that is campaigning for solutions to make sure those who have mobility issues are able to continue their day in a much more comfortable way.”

A spokesman for Southern said: “We are delighted to have worked with the local council to install the bench.

“We have been very keen to help ever since the council first asked us about this, so we are relieved to have resolved a complicated land ownership issue that unfortunately caused a long delay.”