Saltdean 60 years ago (or so)

​The way things were 60 years ago. ''WOT No Bus Lanes'' 

Chris Wrapson: The photo dates from the late 1950s. Wonderful shot of the A259 looking west is instantly recognised and contrast with the ‘earlier' road widening photo (looking east), recently published on here. Both views taken from more or less the same location. 

Very few vehicles in 1959. No road markings, No traffic lights at Longridge Avenue therefor no queuing traffic. 

The car seems to be struggling to overtake the No.12 Southdown bus on route to Eastbourne. It would be further 50 years before the 'infamous Bus Lanes’ were thought of. 

In that era Saltdean would gradually develop into the familiar place we know today. 

---

​

​Chris Wrapson:‎ Interesting pic (on two counts) from the ''Brighton & Hove Gazette'' dated 15 April 1939: The location, (A259) Telscombe Tye, Saltdean looking east towards Telscombe Cliffs and Peacehaven. At this time the coast road widening program appears to be suspended probably due to the pending commencement of WWII.
​
The sad story of how 'George Kittos' met his end is told in the article. The newly built ''Ocean Hotel’’ opened for business in 1938 and closed as a hotel in 1939 again due to WWII. The History of the Ocean Hotel, in post-war years, has been well documented.
Photo courtesy of local historian Douglas d'Enno.