Blind war veterans say they are having to take their lives into their hands to visit neighbours.

Walter Harse, 92, lives in Peacehaven just a few doors from a friend but their street is bisected by the busy A259 coast road.

Although the speed limit is 30mph, Mr Harse said vehicles raced through and it was unusual for anyone to slow down to allow them to cross.

The former RAF electrician is a regular visitor to St Dunstan's, the centre for blind ex-servicemen and women, in nearby Ovingdean. He said many Peacehaven residents were St Dunstaners and in a similar position.

He said: "I cross the road twice a day to see my friend and get back again.

"The cars go past at a tremendous rate. I would like motorists to be a bit more considerate to people. Nine out of ten would rather mow you down than stop.

"I don't have the energy to get to the crossing, which is 500 yards away.

"I'm a St Dunstaner, my next-door neighbour is a St Dunstaner and the person the other side is a St Dunstaner. Lots of people who go to St Dunstan's live in Peacehaven.

"I would like it brought to the attention of motorists that there are a lot of blind people with white sticks and they shouldn't come charging through."

Mr Harse came to St Dunstan's from his native London to convalesce after a cancer operation.

When staff heard he was having to negotiate 49 steps to his flat, a bungalow was found for him in Peacehaven.

He liked it so much the persuaded his 80-year-old friend, who is also visually impaired, to join him.

However, he did not realise how difficult it would be to walk the short distance to her home.

Mr Harse added: "Somebody saw me across the road recently. I've lived here almost two years and this is the first person who has helped.

"I have been to the council but can't get any help. If there could be an island in the middle of the road it would be easier."

A spokeswoman for East Sussex County Council said: "The speed limit through Peacehaven is 30 miles per hour. There are a number of crossings already.

"As far as I am aware, we have not had any requests for this area to be looked at. We are not able to put in a special crossing for just one person but if this gentleman would like to contact us, we will look into the situation."