It’s looking good,

Concerns over what the proposed expansion of the Ashford Designer Outlet will do to the town’s roads have been raised.

About 150 people attended a public consultation at the Stour Centre last week where plans for the Outlet’s massive extension were displayed.

A team from McArthurGlen, who own the site, were on hand to talk to residents about the new scheme, which if approved will see the shopping centre double in size by 2019.

Added pressure

While a lot of people were in favour of a bigger Outlet, concerns over the added pressure it will put on Ashford’s road were highlighted.

Cllr David Smith, ward member for South Willesborough, said: “I am concerned with the traffic management. This needs looking at.

“I’ve requested that lights be installed on either Newtown Road or Romney Marsh Road.

“Traffic already builds up in that area.

“The problem for South Willesborough and Newtown is that a new model railway is planned, plus junction 10a, plus the new development at Sevington. This will result in added pressure at both ends.”

Earlier this year, Jo Draper, of Wainwright Place, started a petition with her neighbour Jim Crabb over the existing parking problems in Newtown caused by commuters, employees and visitors from the Outlet abusing the estate’s free parking.

She said: “I’m not convinced. I’m concerned this will cause more parking problems in Newtown.

“It does look nice and I like the idea of them slowing the traffic over the road, as cars do come around the corner fast. But then again, it could just cause more congestion.”

Despite this, bosses from McArthurGlen say the majority of the feedback from the consultation was positive, adding: “We were very happy with the turnout on the day and excited by the