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Victory for campaigners who wanted to keep existing traffic flows around Westgate Towers in Canterbury

The St Dunstan’s area of Canterbury will have a 20mph speed limit, keep the wide footpath, a crossing on Station Road West and a 7.5 tonne weight restriction.

That is the decision of a steering group comprising Kent County Council, Canterbury City Council, the Canterbury 4 Business group and Stagecoach.

Pub landlord Sean McCord, cafe owner Dan Grimwood and shop owner Winston Feather who are campaigned to keep the wide pavement in St Dunstan's
Pub landlord Sean McCord, cafe owner Dan Grimwood and shop owner Winston Feather who are campaigned to keep the wide pavement in St Dunstan's

Retaining the wide pavement will be particularly welcomed by many traders who campaigned for it, saying it had boosted trade.

The new weight limit will also extend along Whitstable Road, including St Thomas’ Hill and Blean.

The St Dunstan's steering group, which met yesterday, recommended the improvements following a three-month consultation and five possible options to boost the economic vitality of the area and benefit residents, businesses and visitors.

There were more than 2,500 responses. But an overwhelming 85% supported option E – which proposed leaving the road layout as it is.

The Westgate Towers will be subject to a width restriction – a move also supported by 85% of respondents. The closure of Pound Lane will now be advertised and consulted upon under a traffic regulation order to make it permanent.

Kent County Council, Canterbury City Council and Stagecoach will also work together to review possible future bus services.

In response to suggestions that a hopper bus service could operate around St Dunstan’s, the steering group heard that it would cost nearly £1million and there was limited possibility of the service proving viable. Consequently, a commercial operator would be unlikely to take it on.

David Brazier, KCC Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, who chaired the steering group, said: “I was pleased with the response we received from the consultation and we have taken evaluation of this into account when deciding how this area of the city can be enhanced for the benefit of local residents, businesses and road users.”

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