Eastbourne Man Accidentally Drives Into Town Centre, Still Looking For Way Out

By Barry Beakman, Senior Local Correspondent

EASTBOURNE — An Eastbourne man who accidentally drove into the town centre on Thursday morning is believed to still be attempting to find his way out.

Father-of-two Kevin Marshall, 54, had originally intended to make a "quick five-minute trip" before becoming confused by a combination of one-way streets, temporary signs and a road he was "absolutely certain you used to be able to drive down."

His family became concerned shortly after lunchtime.

"He rang me and said he'd somehow ended up back near the station," said wife Julie.

"That was about three hours ago."

"I told him to just follow the signs."

"He didn't appreciate that."

Witnesses later spotted Mr Marshall driving slowly through the town while repeatedly leaning forward over the steering wheel and shaking his head.

At approximately 1.15pm, he was reportedly heard saying, "Well, this is bloody ridiculous," after discovering his preferred route was unavailable.

He then performed what witnesses described as a "deeply reluctant three-point turn."

Local residents say the incident highlights the dangers of attempting to drive through Eastbourne using knowledge acquired more than ten years ago.

"You can't rely on memory," said resident Peter Collins.

"I tried that once."

"Ended up in Hampden Park."

Mr Marshall's situation deteriorated further after his sat-nav instructed him to turn left onto a road he insists "hasn't been a left turn since about 2008."

He subsequently stopped trusting the device altogether.

"She doesn't know Eastbourne," he reportedly told passengers.

Traffic experts say this is a crucial stage in becoming permanently lost.

"Once a middle-aged man decides he knows better than the sat-nav, there's very little anyone can do," said local driving instructor Martin Hughes.

"At that point you've just got to make sure he's got enough fuel."

Mr Marshall eventually located a road he recognised at approximately 3pm, only to discover he was travelling in the opposite direction to his house.

Rather than admit defeat, he described this as "making progress."

His daughter later offered to send him directions using Google Maps.

The offer was declined.

"I've lived here 27 years," he replied.

"I know where I'm going."

At the time of publication, Mr Marshall had successfully escaped the town centre.

He is believed to be in Pevensey.