by Tim Collins
tcollins@thekmgroup.co.uk

Most pedestrians using Ashford’s controversial shared space dislike it and feel the town centre’s previous road layout was safer, says a new study.
Since work on the shared space project, which was part of a £16.5 million town centre road improvement programme, was completed in 2008 the scheme has been widely criticised.
Driving instructors, blind people and, most famously, Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson, are among those who have criticised the idea of pedestrians and traffic 'sharing’ the roads.
Now experts from the University of the West of England (UWE) are the latest to hit out at the project after studying day-to-day use of the shared space in rigorous detail.
Their study found that 80% of people questioned preferred the previous road layout and that almost three-quarters of pedestrians give way to traffic.
The university's Dr Steve Melia said: “The problem with Elwick Square is that you have an area with a high volume of traffic moving at relatively high speed.
“This has produced an environment which is more suitable for fit young people with no fear, but it can be pretty intimidating for many others.
“The findings reveal that people are generally very wary of sharing space with fast moving vehicles and they prefer to keep round the edges and out of the way.”
Full story in the Kentish Express out on Thursday.