Diversion Ends

‘Diversion ends’,
States the sand-bagged sign,
But Uckfield traders
Are now resigned,

To falls in sales,
Thirty-percent losses,
For the thirty-two weeks
Of gold-paved promises:

Wider pavements,
For the shopping hoards;
Will they love Uckfield
When the paths are broad?

East Sussex mandarins
Have planned the change,
Which explains why
The town’s enraged:

‘Uckfield’s open’
Is the rallying cry,
But diversions remain
And trade drives by.