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MP calls for work on key Sittingbourne road to be done overnight

Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson
Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson

Gordon Henderson has slammed plans to close a vital artery for town centre businesses.

The Sittingbourne MP is furious at a proposal to shut the junction of Castle Road and Eurolink Way for two weeks in October for repairs.

It would mean an entry to the Eurolink Business Park, one of the busiest industrial estates in Kent, would become a temporary “no-go” for drivers.

In an open letter to Cllr David Brazier, Kent County Council’s cabinet member for transport, Mr Henderson outlined his fears and said any such move would lead to traffic chaos.

He said: “I am very concerned at the impact a two-week closure will have on local businesses.

“Frankly, I am appalled that Kent Highways should even consider such a closure without fully considering the economic impact on my constituency.”

Work to improve Castle Road started earlier this year. But it was reportedly suspended due to concerns about the safety of the workmen and the condition of the road itself.

Mr Henderson said if the closure were to go ahead, all but a few businesses would be inconvenienced.

He said: “A lot of companies will have to use the new A249 entry in Swale Way. Then we’ll have the problem of drivers still thinking they can access Castle Road via Eurolink Way.

“When they realise they can’t, they’ll be turning round and going back up towards Morrisons.

“The result being, they’ll be adding to congestion which already happens at peak times.”

Mr Henderson said a number of businesses had sent letters of complaint about the plans.

He hopes to head off the potential for early autumn delays by offering a solution of his own.

He said: “Surely it would be much more sensible to undertake the work at night, when most of the businesses are closed?

“I’ve heard they will try and maximise the night works, but I want them to restrict it to night work only.”

Kent Highways did not comment.

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