Kentish Express Ashford & District
Two roundabouts added to calendar
Roundabouts - some people loathe them, some people tolerate them, and others happen to love them.
The president of the UK Roundabout Appreciation Society has decided to include two Ashford junctions in this year’s society calendar highlighting the nation’s best examples.
Kevin Beresford saw a KentOnline article about the upcoming Flanders Roundabout - scheduled to be completed in July - and the recent installation of horses on the A20 Orchard Heights circular and got in touch.
The 68-year-old has now added them to the society’s annual calendar, which is a shortlist for the ‘Best British Roundabout’ award and could see the pair nominated for the ‘Best International Roundabout’ gong.
He said: “In 2003, I was working at a printing business in Redditch and each year we’d make calendars for our customers.
“We got tired of doing the classics - David Beckham or firemen with six packs - so we wondered what Redditch is famous for and we realised it was roundabouts.
“After Graham Norton showed our first edition on his show, we sold thousands and we now sell them across the world.”
Ever since, Mr Beresford has travelled the country looking for stand-out roundabouts and now has a committee to help decide which should be highlighted.
When asked what makes for a great example, the expert said: “Some people like ‘Titchmarshes’ - which are islands in full bloom - or white knuckle roundabouts like the Magic Roundabout in Swindon where you have to go in the opposite direction.
“I particularly like quirky ones where you see unique things for example, last year’s winner was one in Truro which features four giant hedgehogs.”
When asked what is so great about roundabouts, Mr Beresford said: “They give councils a perfect opportunity to put a garden in the middle of a road.
“They’re generally a lot more efficient and safer than traffic lights - they can reduce the number of accidents by 90% when compared to signalling systems, and reduce emissions by 40%.
“For me, they are so pleasing to the eye. They’re like an oasis in a sea of concrete and tarmac.”
So why does he believe the Ashford examples stand out from the crowd?
Kevin said: “I like the sporting aspect of the horse one because there’s movement in it, it’s not static.
“With the Flanders Roundabout, it’s very topical and poignant.”