Further works planned for Ashford Town Centre

Further works are planned as Kent County Council (KCC) continues to make improvements in Ashford.

Roadworks have been underway since 1 November to make the Ashford Shared Space more resistant to damage in the future and better accessible.

Six weeks of work will begin in Lower High Street, Ashford, from 13 February between the junctions for North Street and Wellesley Road.

The road will be closed throughout to ensure everyone’s safety but pavements will stay open so people can access businesses.

The existing cobble surface will be removed from the road and parking and loading bays with new drainage kerbs and gullies installed before a new surface is laid.

Contractors will then reset, repair and re-grout the areas of Yorkstone, replace missing bollards and address areas where tree roots have caused significant damage.

KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, David Brazier, said: “I am pleased that by working collaboratively with Ashford Borough Council, we will be able to maximise the advantage we have in completing roadworks in the area to minimise disruption as far as possible.

“Once complete, the area will be more resistant to damage in the future and better accessible.

“It is important that we minimise disruption as far as possible so, while we had planned to complete these works in the years to come anyway, we have a golden opportunity to take advantage of being in the area.

“I would like to thank local businesses for their patience while we continue to carry out this work.”

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) has liaised with market traders to offer them an alternative location to trade while the works take place in nearby Middle Row.

Ashford Borough Council Executive Leader, Cllr Gerry Clarkson, said: “The improvements will lead to a nicer, safer and easier to maintain public realm in the town centre and will add to the recent upgrade to parts of the Shared Space area.

“I would like to express my thanks to KCC Members and officers who have worked closely with ABC officers and Cllr Bill Barrett and Cllr Peter Feacey, to find a way to bring these improvements forward.”

In recent weeks officers have been speaking to local businesses which may be impacted by the closures, as well as Ashford Borough Council, to ensure the works are planned so that disruption can be kept to a minimum.

Details are also available by visiting KCC's Road Projects web page.