downsmail.co.uk
Revealed: the £100k cost of cycling lane ‘blunder’
A CONTROVERSIAL pop-up cycle route in Maidstone cost more than £100,000 of taxpayers’ money to install and remove, Downs Mail can reveal. Earlier this year, it was discov- ered the lane in King Street was to be dismantled following a public outcry from local businesses and taxi drivers.
A Freedom of Information Act disclosure reveals a total of £98,099 was spent to install and amend traffic lights at the site, and the re- moval works will be met partially by Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) as part of its bus station ren- ovations.
A market research report after schemes for both King Street and Earl Street were completed at a cost of £16,560. Government funding was dis- tributed nationally last summer, as long as the schemes were built quickly, overriding the need for a normal consultation and scrutiny.
The first thing we knew of this was when the contractors showed up. It was not thought through, be- cause no one thought to ask us.” Green Party spokesman Donna Greenan said: “We’d always en- courage cycling in the town, but no one spoke to users, King’s Lodge residents, cabbies or even cyclists. The councils clearly didn’t talk to each other.” Arriva Buses complained about passengers having to alight and leave buses straight in to live cycle lanes.
Neil Cox (pictured), of Maid-
stone Taxi Drivers’ Association, said: “We were not consulted at all.
MBC said it was working with KCC on the bus station improve- ments. The station under The Mall was closed with temporary stops in King Street from March 22. MBC added: “KCC will meet all costs removing the pop-up cycle lane. This will create space for new bus stops. MBC will meet costs of marking stops, white lining, in- stalling bus stop posts and flag and removal at the end.”
News Volunteer plea
A KENT sight loss charity is look- ing for a volunteer to help with administration work. British Wireless for the Blind
Fund (BWBF) provides free audio equipment to those living with sight loss. The role will involve contacting people and inputting information into a recipient database. This position would be based from home or at the charity’s head office in Maidstone. Full training and support will be provided. For more information about the
role please contact Simon Parsons on 01622 427648 or 07545 230017.
Court support
VOLUNTEERS are being sought in Maidstone to support a Coro- ners’ Court Support Service (CCSS).
The CCSS is an independent voluntary organisation whose trained members offer emotional support and practical help to be- reaved families, witnesses and others attending inquests. Drop a line to
info@ccsup-
port.org.uk if you are interested in signing up.
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