Roads policy 'makes city life unbearable' for people of Canterbury

Living in Canterbury has become "unbearable" according to exasperated residents who say they are being driven out. They told a meeting on Monday they are being forced to abandon the city since the controversial Westgate Towers traffic trial plunged it into gridlock.

Speaking at a heated public debate organised by the Get Canterbury Moving campaign group one frustrated householder predicted Canterbury would become full of students and tourists – but no one else.

Crowds packed into the Dominican Priory for the standing-room-only meeting. Janet Hobbs, of Whitstable Road, said:

"I have lived in Canterbury for 35 years and we're moving. The scheme was the last straw which broke the camel's back. It is now unbearable to live in Canterbury. The pollution is just dreadful."

Another resident of St Dunstan's Street said he had lived in Canterbury for 40 years but now "cannot wait to move out of this town".

But Station Road West resident Geoff Frost, who also wants to flee the city, said:

"I can't sell it [his house] because potential buyers say the traffic is too heavy. The city council said everything would be smoothed out three months into the trial. Well, it hasn't."

Schoolteacher Jenny Payne of Linden Grove said the effects of the scheme had left her feeling like a victim in her own home. She said:

"My road is now access only, so when I turn into it people give me dirty looks and often swear at me. I feel victimised when trying to get to my own house. This is really affecting me, but the council just isn't listening."

Blind Charlotte Hardwick, of Black Griffin Lane, who complained that the pelican crossing in St Peter's Place had been replaced with a zebra crossing. She said:

"I can't cross the road safely or independently any more. I have to ask for someone to help, but this isn't always possible. I just have to cross and hope for the best."

Kent county councillor Graham Gibbens, who co-chaired the meeting with fellow county member Martin Vye, said he was concerned by Miss Hardwick's experience.

Fears were raised about increased fumes from stationary traffic. Mr Vye said there was a link between asthma and nitrogen dioxide levels in the air.

Get Canterbury Moving member Brian Buggins said English Heritage had no evidence to suggest the towers were suffering damage from vehicles – the main justification for their closure. He suggested lorries should be banned instead and the towers reopened to cars and buses.

Only one man, who did not give his name, spoke up for the trial. He said he had conducted his own survey of shoppers at the towers and said only five per cent wanted the towers reopened to traffic.

Mr Gibbens reassured residents that the prospect of continuing the scheme after the trial ends in March was "not a done deal". He said the ultimate decision lay with the county council's highways authority. He promised to relay views to KCC leader Paul Carter and urged residents to raise concerns with cabinet member for highways Bryan Sweetland.

The results of the city council's public consultation on the trial are expected to be released in the next few weeks. Air quality monitoring statistics should be ready by February.

from Kent Latest Stories Feed by Canterbury Times