Once upon a time, Newhaven was known as the "Gateway to Europe".

We know full well that reputation has long since been abandoned.

Now it's impossible to travel eight miles from east to west in the morning in less than 45 minutes.

On the A259, traffic queues from Rottingdean back to Peacehaven.

This week, with major roadworks between Rodmell and Southease, we have a tailback to Piddinghoe.

On the A26 from the roundabout junction with the A27, we have a tailback past the Beddingham tip as far as Southease station because when the level crossing on the A27 is closed it brings the Eastbourne to Lewes and Brighton traffic to a standstill.

All we now need is for the Newhaven swing-bridge to open between 7.30am and 9am to create absolute havoc.

With current developments and plans to accommodate some 500 new homes in Newhaven, how on earth do the people responsible for the regeneration programme expect to achieve their aims with such a disastrous state of affairs?

We are constantly reminded of the Denton Island project that is supposed to assist and educate us to the standards of a new century but surely, in this day and age, swing bridges and level crossings are synonymous with coal-carrying barges and steam engines?

Until Newhaven's link and access is vastly improved by road and rail, serious business investment in the town will never materialise - except for an incinerator.

-C E Scanlan, The Fairway, Newhaven