COLTS HILL: Controversial road closure plan cancelled

PEOPLE power has caused Kent County Council to perform a U-turn over the most controversial aspect of its proposed improvement scheme for the A228 at Colts Hill.

The experimental closure of Crittenden Road for one year has been dropped from the list of measures being considered for the Capel accident blackspot as an overwhelming number of residents opposed it.

Of 143 replies to a public consultation on the £100,000 scheme, 104 were against blocking the road's western end to prevent all but emergency vehicles from turning in from a dangerous staggered crossroads.

KCC cabinet member for highways Nick Chard said: "Most residents have made it clear that they don't want Crittenden Road closed.

"Kent Highway Services said they would listen to local views. We have listened, and that's why we changed our plans."

Other options proposed to improve safety on the narrow, winding A-road – the most direct link between Maidstone and Pembury hospitals – remain on the table.

They include widening the road at a dangerous bend, new chevron signs, verge markers and Kent's first red-painted road surface.