A resident from Ashford is calling for answers from authorities about a ‘terrible’ bus stop in Kingsnorth.

George Galdies, from South Ashford, is concerned about road safety after witnessing two near misses with pedestrians at the bus stop on Forestall Meadow on the Park Farm estate.

The 81-year-old first experienced an issue with the visibility on the road when he was driving home after a shopping trip to Tesco around two months ago.

A pedestrian walked out in front of his car in the right hand-lane from in front of a bus to the middle island towards Tesco.

Mr Galdies said he was within the speed limits. He said: “I slammed on my brakes. If I was going any faster, that kid wouldn’t be here now.

“If a child crossed behind the bus I would have seen them.”

The second incident happened a month later. Mr Galdies was driving from Kingsnorth village on Ashford Road when he saw another car almost hit another pedestrian on the same stretch of road.

Mr Galdies has contacted both KCC and Ashford Borough Council about the issue, and wants to know why and who authorised the position of the bus stop on the road: “It’s terrible. An accident is actually waiting to happen.

“Who authorised them to put the bus stop there? I have spoken to so many people and they all have the same idea.

“I’ve got five great grandchildren. I don’t want anyone hitting them. I don’t want to wait until it happens and someone gets killed.”

Stagecoach operate bus routes in Park Farm. Matthew Maytum, communications officer at Stagecoach South East, said: “This bus stop has been in position for about 7 years and we’ve not had any reports of any incidents or concerns.

“Bus stop positions have to be agreed with KCC Highways, who will carry out a safety assessment before agreeing the location.

“People should never cross the road directly behind or in front of a bus, the highway code is quite clear on this.

“We would urge anyone to wait until the bus has moved off so they can see clearly in both directions before attempting to cross the road.”

A Kent County Council spokesperson said: “New bus stop locations are the subject of a safety audit but do not require planning permission.

“In the event that we receive a complaint regarding an existing location then we would review crash data to understand if there is evidence of a problem.

“No comments have been received with respect to this location.”

What do you think? Email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk or call 01233 623232.