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Ashford Shared Space

This scheme is a joint project by Kent County Council and Ashford Borough Council to improve the look and feel of the town centre, make it more resistant to damage in future and enhance safety for pedestrians.

Works have been underway since 1 November 2022. This phase will take place for 6 weeks from 13 February in the Lower High Street between the junctions for North Street and Wellesley Road.

The road will be closed during this time to ensure everyone’s safety but pavements will stay open so people can access shops and businesses.

Works beginning 13 February will include:

  • existing cobble surface will be removed, parking and loading bays with new drainage kerbs and gullies installed before a new surface is laid
  • reset, repair and re-grouting to areas of Yorkstone
  • replacement of missing bollards
  • repair of areas where tree roots have caused damage, installation of flexible paving to protect against further damage.

Works ongoing since November 2022 include:

  • resurfacing of Gasworks Lane, Forge Lane, West Street and Godinton Road.
  • replacement of damaged or worn ironworks.
  • new lining design to resurfaced roads.
  • removal of centre traffic island.
  • repairs to carriageway kerbing, zebra crossings and footways.
  • new reflective traffic signals directional traffic bollards installed to prevent vehicle over run to footways.
  • removal of damaged cycle racks.

The changes will lead to a nicer, safer and easier to maintain public realm in the town. Previous temporary fixes will be repaired, making the area more visually appealing, more accessible and improve resilience to damage over time.

The cobbled area of the Lower High Street will be removed and replaced with black tarmac to create a safer, even surface. This will make it easier for pedestrians, especially those with mobility issues or visual impairment, to safely navigate the area. Black tarmac will improve the contrast between pedestrian and road areas also to help accessibility.

This phase of works will start from 13 February and is scheduled to continue for 6 weeks. The road will be closed during this time to ensure everyone’s safety but pavements will remain open for access to shops and businesses in the area.

To contact us or give feedback about this scheme email rafat@kent.gov.uk.