1. Uniform surfacing and construction for the pedestrian surface throughout the full potential adopted length. Typical construction details as per attached document.

2.  Kerbing to be agreed (although existing kerbing would need to be repaired where currently damaged, disrupted or missing).

3.  The current tree layout is too close to the footpath surfacing and it can be seen that tree roots are protruding through the existing surfacing at various locations. Measures would be required to prevent further root incursion such as a root barrier.

4.  The costs of future reactive work to the trees would have to be considered. Currently, there is no preventative maintenance undertaken for highway trees, such as regular pollarding.

5.  For adoption to be considered, the organisation requesting adoption should have ownership or full documented control of all relevant areas, including consent of all those with an interest in the land. Unfortunately I note that a number of residents may present an objection to the required resurfacing work due to fears about potential usage by skateboarders etc.

6.  Streetlighting is not a statutory requirement for adoption. However, the degree of usage (as expressed at the meeting by Dr Stenning) would dictate that a streetlighting system would have to be in place before adoption could be considered.

7.  A positive drainage system would have to be in place with full records, including CCTV footage. I note that there are drains at the southern end of lime Tree Avenue that are completely silted up.

8.  Records would be required of all existing services. I note the streetlight at the northern end for which ownership and current maintenance responsibility is uncertain. I would suggest that the town council might have some knowledge and would suggest contact is made with this body for further information.

9.  If adopted, I would point out that all utility companies would have a right of access and a right to install services within Lime Tree Avenue.

10. The Highway Authority would require an extensive geotechnical survey (borehold legs etc) to clarify the underlying construction type.

11. A full topographical survey would be required for mapping the area onto our highway terrier system.

12. It would be necessary to clear/cut back a significant amount of the vegetation on either side of the existing footpath construction to carry out a pre adoption survey.

13. I note the accesses onto Lime Tree Avenue at the southern end from residences in Linden Chase. The terms of access contained within the respective deeds to the properties would need to be clarified. Similarly for the properties in Lime Close that back onto Lime Tree Avenue, the actual demarcation lines would need to be established, and whether there are any constraints with respect to surface water flows from the rear gardens plus any fencing considerations.

The above requirements were laid down in an email from Dale Foden, Deputy Network Manager, West Network Highways, East Sussex County Council, to Lime Aid secretary Mike Benians on April 27, 2008.

The summary of requirements was based on comments made at a meeting, attended by Mr Foden, of Lime Aid on April 24, 2008, as follows:

1.  Your organisation would wish the full width of Lime Tree Avenue adopted from fence line to fence line.

2.  The required adopted length is from Hempstead road, across Downsview Crescent to Woodlands Close.

3.  The required usage is non-vehicular other than potential access for emergency vehicles. I do not think it was completely made clear about cyclist and potential equine use but I am assuming that these transport groups would be permitted.

Note: Lime Tree Avenue, from Hempstead Road to Downsview Crescent, is classified as a Private Street which means there is a public right of access but it is not maintained by the Highway Authority. The remaining section from Downsview Crescent to Woodlands Close is classified as a private road in that there is no public right of access.