Traffic light idea is simply a no-go

What a cheek for the authorities to even suggest that the Ashford business owners should pay for installing traffic lights at the junction of Barrey Road and the A2070 (Firms could pay for new lights at danger junction, KE, September 14).

It was the authorities that approved over developing of what was a originally a relatively small residential and business site.

I assume the businesses have all paid their business rates since occupying their premises and, in return, have suffered unnecessarily traffic problems which, in turn must have had a negative financial impact on their trading.

They should be compensated, not penalised. Besides which, this could set a precedent for future projects.

The truth has at last emerged and many hours of discussion have been a sheer waste of time for all concerned in an attempt to solve the problem. John Holland, Kingsnorth Victoria Park, I was wondering if the people who eventually buy these properties know about the annual Create music festival and the amusement rides that appear there every year.

They are a bit close, and depending on the age group – e.g. pensioners – that move in I can foresee trouble brewing.

The fair stays about a week, and while Create is just one day it’s back-to-back music from midday, ending late evening with a firework display.

I’m all for progress and seeing Ashford expand: seeing the two lift shafts going up for the new cinema and hotel complex in Elwick Road; the shell of the office block in Station Road; the new college now open; flats going up behind Watling Tyres; and ground testing for the Chart Road dualling project.

They will all bring employment to our town, and there’s more to come.

But maybe they should give a little thought for building next to a park? Just another thought. As summer waves goodbye and winter pokes its head, making it dark by 7.30pm, are the county council going to start clearing the drains and dykes to get them ready for winter, so we don’t suffer flooding?

I remember every year how the B&Q and Halfords car parks are always under water, as are the fields near Asda

One year the two lakes in Singleton overflowed into each other and caused flooding all the way to the Stour Centre. Freddie Clements, Ashford the elderly in Ashford, which other towns manage to provide (Look at all the lonely people, KE, September 14).

When the day centre at Plantin House closed several years ago, the clients there wrote heartfelt letters asking that it be kept open.

Of course they did, it was one of the very few places they could be taken regularly for some company, a meal, a bath, and entertainment, often by a visiting singer or musician. Many friendships were made there. Where are those people now? Those less than mobile who aren’t in residential or nursing homes are stuck at home with just the television or radio.

Fortunately the Eldercare Centre is open but how many people can they cope with?

When my mum was alive we took her to Gravesend’s Woodville Halls for a show and were pleasantly surprised to find that there was a weekly afternoon show aimed mainly at the older generation.

How nice for them to be able to get out of their homes on a regular basis to be entertained.

At the risk of being shot down for broaching the subject again, if Ashford had a small theatre space/performance area (so many KE readers have mentioned the need) maybe our elderly residents might have somewhere to go every so often.

Local performers always need/like to have an audience and somewhere to perform.

There’s nothing better than a live performance, singing, music, dancing, comedy – any budding ‘Butlins-type Redcoats’ out there?

So much seems to be provided for the youngsters ‘to keep them off the streets’.

Why not more to get the lonely elderly population out of four walls and into some club or other activity? Dee Collins, Ashford