Crooks cause road danger

Dozens of metal grates from road drains have been stolen from the Lewes and Wealden area causing serious hazards for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

More than 70 have been taken leaving large holes which are up to a metre deep.

The first spate of thefts were reported to the county council when 22 grates were stolen from Common Lane, Selmeston.

Since then grates have been taken from Ringmer and Peacehaven, and as far afield as Eridge.

The thieves are likely to be selling the stolen grates as scrap metal and the East Sussex Highways Deptartment has asked metal dealers to report anyone attempting to sell the grates.