Shared space stains
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by Thom Morris
Concerned traders and residents are demanding urgent action to
clean up Ashford’s shared space.
They say that although the expensive flooring on the flagship area
is only a year old the filthy state of it is tarnishing the town
centre’s image.
Pavements are now heavily stained by drink spillages and trodden-in
chewing gum and the tops of designer stainless steel rubbish bins,
which cost £1,500 each, are being used as outdoor ashtrays by
smokers stubbing out cigarettes.
Both Ashford council and Kent County Council say they’re trying to
find a better way of cleaning Bank Street and the other shared
space streets, although confusion seems to reign between the two
authorities about how to achieve it.
Why didn't anyone ask how the shared
space would be kept clean? Read Paul Francis' take on
his blog>>>
The borough council is still waiting to hear from KCC on how
best to clean the granite street covering.
KCC, meanwhile, is waiting to hear from the suppliers of the stone
on how to clean the pavements around Bank Street, Tufton Street and
Godinton Road.
Kingsnorth resident Ken Dunstan said despite the huge amounts
of money being spent on the scheme all that residents have been
left with is a “filthy disgusting mess”.
He said: “It seems beyond belief that the highly paid experts who
designed this scheme chose materials that could not be cleaned.
What do visitors to the town think when they come to see the well
publicised scheme?”
Shopkeepers along Ashford’s flagship road scheme are also unhappy
with the outside of their premises.
In a report updating councillors on how the scheme is progressing,
KCC project manager Jamie Watson said a trial using normal cleaning
techniques had “not produced the required general cleanliness
expected”.
KCC and Ashford council are investigating possible solutions to the
problem, one of which may be to seal the granite so that dirt and
grime can be washed off more easily.
For full story and more pictures see this week's Kentish
Express.
Thursday, October 08 2009
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