Kentish Express Ashford & District
‘No necessity’ for crossing linking Panorama to town
Lights switched off one month before 700 residents move in
Road chiefs have announced plans to remove a pedestrian crossing just one month before an influx of new residents are due to move into nearby apartment block.
The pelican crossing in Park Street connects the town centre with the Panorama building, crossing over a busy bus lane.
But Kent County Council (KCC) said the crossing was now “redundant” and would be removed.
Andrew Loosemore, head of Highway Operations at KCC, said: “The pelican crossing in Park Street was installed nearly 25 years ago when the local road network was significantly different.
“It has not been used for several months due to the adjacent development, and there is an alternative crossing nearby.
“We have taken the opportunity to review the necessity of this crossing and assessed it as redundant. It is therefore being removed.”
The crossing has rarely been used recently as builders have been working on the renovated apartment block, formerly known as Charter House.
But with work on turning the former office block into 232 one and two-bedroom apartments now nearing completion, it is estimated around 700 new residents are expected to move into the Panorama soon.
There will also be a roof garden and a mix of shops and bars on the ground floor.
After a few delays, the first residents are expected to move into the apartments in the next few months.
The removal of the crossing is expected to start next month. Meanwhile, it has been taken out of service and the traffic lights covered with hoods.
A plan showing the location of the pelican crossing due to be removed and a statement of rea- sons for its removal can be seen during normal weekday working hours at Kent County Council’s offices in Aylesford.
For further information, call KCC on 03000 418181.
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