The construction of a new Aldi store in Ashford has sparked concerns among residents, who fear that faulty temporary traffic lights could remain in place for an extended period, causing further disruptions and safety hazards. This issue has emerged as a result of safety concerns raised by the highways authority, Kent County Council (KCC), regarding the new traffic signals installed by the German discount giant.
One of the main problems lies with the temporary lights at the junction of Bybrook Road, where a new pedestrian crossing has been installed. These lights have been stuck on red, causing significant delays for drivers and raising questions about the overall safety of the new infrastructure.
"It's a nightmare," said Steve Maple, a 57-year-old resident of Kennington. "The Aldi store's location is one of the silliest for traffic. Canterbury Road is always busy, and the wide pedestrian path near the store could have been used as a slip road to access Aldi, easing the traffic pressure on Canterbury Road."
The concerns are not limited to the temporary lights. Shireen Goacher, a resident of Rylands Road, highlights that Kennington is already experiencing gridlock due to the ongoing project. She adds, "The temporary lights in Bybrook Road keep getting stuck on red for long periods, causing significant delays. Traffic is at an all-time high in Kennington, and with the new lights, it will only get worse."
KCC has identified several issues with the new lights, including pedestrian crossings that are narrower than expected, uneven paving, and a stop line in Bybrook Road that is too close to the crossing. These concerns must be addressed by the developer before the new traffic lights can be switched on, according to KCC.
An Aldi spokesman stated, "We are working through these additional requests with the council and are keen to see the traffic lights switched on as soon as possible."
The site, previously home to Houchin Social Club, has been vacant for decades. Aldi plans to publicize the opening date of the new store in the coming months, creating 40 jobs. The store is expected to open later this autumn or winter, adding to the chain's existing stores in Victoria Road and Waterbrook Park, Sevington.
This situation raises questions about the planning and execution of such large-scale projects and their impact on local communities. It also highlights the importance of effective communication and collaboration between developers, local authorities, and residents to ensure the smooth implementation of infrastructure changes.
