Rat-run fear if bollards are removed

A South Ashford resident has hit back against a councillor who claims it is time for the “bus gate” in Beaver Road to be removed.

Cllr Jenny Webb put the case for removing the bollards at last month’s Joint Transportation Board meeting and said businesses were fed up with them.

But the bollards were put in with overwhelming support of residents in 1997, and this week James Hayward said he couldn’t see what would be gained by tearing up the road layout. He said the existing road system allowed commuters to get through the town perfectly well.

He added that removing the bollards could create a rat-run and traffic jams blocking the road during rush hour.

‘Bus gate’ bollards in Beaver Road, Ashford