GULF WAR VET KILLED

TRIBUTES TO EX-SOLDIER AND DEDICATED COUNCILLOR

A popular parish councillor has been killed on a notorious stretch of road he had raised safety concerns about.

Gulf War veteran Paul Hardisty, 49, was a passenger in a Renault Kadjar which crashed into a tree on the A252 at Chilham on Friday afternoon.

Described by family, friends and colleagues as charismatic, caring and devoted to community life, his death has devastated the close-knit community.

Parish council chairman Paul Lulham said: “Like many of us, Paul was concerned about the road. But now, to lose one of our own really hits home.”

The A252 has recently been identified as one of the most dangerous roads in the county and is earmarked for government funding for safety improvements.

In the past three years, 20 people have been hurt and now three killed in crashes along the nine-mile stretch towards Charing.

Kent County Council is expected to bid for money from a £175 million Department of Transport pot for both the A252 and the A290 from Whitstable to Canterbury.

But Mr Lulham says the improvements cannot come soon enough.

He said: “Although we cannot speculate about the cause of this latest collision, it yet again throws a spotlight on the dangers on the A252.

“It had been a concern for us, and Paul, for quite a while. There have been some nasty accidents.

“The nature of the road is deceiving. It’s quite straight and wide in some parts and

there are a lot of sharp bends.

“We’ve been speaking to KCC and they’re in the process of doing a study. We’re waiting for the outcome of that but we want to see something done pretty quickly.”

Only last month, Coral Lines – a long-time resident of Dane Street, close to where the latest collision happened – told the Gazette another tragedy was likely if action was not taken.

The crash happened shortly

after 3.30pm on Friday. Mr Hardisty was travelling in a new Renault which had just been collected from a dealership when it left the road and hit a tree, killing him instantly.

It was being driven by a friend who escaped with minor injuries.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses, who can call the serious collision investigation unit on 01622 798538, quoting reference 10-0911.

Gulf War veteran Paul Hardisty and right, the A252 was closed following the fatal crash