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A274 scheme is back on agenda


ATTEMPTS are being made to revive a rejected multi-million pound “six-lane” road scheme, designed to relieve pressure on one of the busiest areas of south Maidstone. Local councillors have argued


that having no scheme in place at the Sutton Road (A274), Wallis Avenue and Willington Street could jeopardise funding streams generated by massive housing developments in the area. They say members of Maid- stone’s Joint Transport Commit- tee have agreed to review an old plan, which could deliver a solu- tion without risking the funding mechanism being timed out. But the move by Liberal Demo-


crat councillors Brian Clark and Ian Chittenden has been con- demned as “totally irresponsible” by the county councillor for the area, as it revives residents’ wor- ries of a six-lane highway on part of the A274. Borough member Cllr Clark


said: “Funding has been collected to fully offset the impact on this


junction, but we were facing a recommendation for no action, which could allow developers to claim back agreed funding. “Cllr Chittenden and I were de- termined to progress a scheme which would demonstrably ease congestion from the new housing development.” But Conservative county coun-


cillor Gary Cooke, who fought to have the original plan ditched, said: “This is totally irresponsible as it merely stokes up the very real fears the A274 at that point would be turned into four lanes of cars and two for buses at cer- tain times. “Brian and Ian also should


know there is no time limit on funding and that KCC’s high- ways project engineer, Russell Boorman, is now looking at ways to bring a solution the area needs, but without ripping out the trees and green verges to make way for a six-lane highway and stoking up residents’ worries that this scheme is to be exhumed.”


Will, Deputyship, or Power of


Anger as build-out returns


COXHEATH residents thought they had won the highways battle over build-outs on Heath Road, claiming they cause danger, delays and acci- dents. Cropping up every 100 yards, they sparked massive complaints and


eventually all but one – at the Linton crossroads where a serious head-on crash had happened – were removed. Now residents are mystified by the return of a build-out at the East Far- leigh end of the village and are not kind with comments on Facebook. “Great! Permanent traffic back again and accidents,” writes Simon Fos-


ter. “What council person thinks this is a great idea?” Karen Harrison responds: “One who does not live here. Just needs some speed humps.” Both build-outs are about half a mile from the two ends of the village


centre – and as they cannot combat speeding where it is really necessary, many residents see their minus points heavily outscoring plusses. Cllr Clive Parker, parish council chairman, said that when so many build-


outs were removed KCC indicated the one closest to East Farleigh would be restored. Now KCC has done it – close to the new roads to the evolving Vi- olet Fields residential development. He said: “The parish would have preferred a lower speed limit in this area


or improved lighting.” KCC was approached for a comment.


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