Businesses have gathered more than 2,000 signatures opposing plans for a new cycle lane they say will hamper trade.

Kent County Council (KCC) has secured more than £6 million in funding for five new active travel schemes - including one linking Cheriton with Folkestone railway stations and the town beyond.

The route would run along the B2064 from the Cheriton High Street junction with Risborough Lane to Cheriton Road and on to Folkestone Central station.

A consultation on the plans saw 64% of the 146 respondents say they strongly support a new cycle route along the B2064, but local businesses say they fear for their future if the proposals lead to the removal of on-street parking along the High Street.

David Barling, who runs DJB Furniture Emporium, says that if customers cannot park outside and he cannot receive deliveries with ease then he may be forced to relocate his second-hand furniture shop.

"With the cycle lanes, customers won't be able to park, and my business relies on people dropping furniture off and picking it up," he said.

"Without parking there is not enough footfall in Cheriton, and we rely solely on people pulling in, getting out the cars, doing what they need to do, and going.

"That's the beauty with Cheriton, the fact that people can park, do what they need to do and leave. Without any parking here there's nowhere for anyone to stop, we haven't got any car parks here."

All along the High Street posters opposing the cycle lane plans can be seen in shop windows.

Most traders say they are not opposed to bicycle infrastructure on principle, and many are cyclists for leisure, but they fear for the knock-on impact of reduced parking when side streets off the main road are already at capacity.

Jane Green, who owns Jinti Hair Studio and has operated in Cheriton for 33 years, says she fears for the future of her business is parking is severely cut.

"Customers need to park to come in and out," she said. "The business will just go, how many people have you got that are walking distance?"

Another concerned business owner is Stuart Peet, who runs printing firm folkestoneprinting.com on the High Street.

He said: "We rely on parking on the High Street for our customers to come and collect goods.

"If any of the parking spaces go there aren't any suitable multi-storey or large car parks anywhere else in Cheriton, so customers would be put off actually coming to Cheriton to use the shops that are here."

While businesses may fear the impact on custom, the results of the consultation feedback show many people are in favour of projects to encourage more active travel.

Green Party councillor Rebecca Shoob, who represents Cheriton ward on Folkestone and Hythe District Council, argues making the High Street more attractive for walking and cycling can actually boost trade.

She said: "I'm really looking forward to seeing what the plans are when they come out in September.

"We are all facing the climate emergency, so I think that any schemes that look to improve the environment for active travel I am keen to see us do those properly.

"Making the environment better for people to get around by walking and cycling can really improve the high street and the local community, there is research that shows that making local high streets more accessible encourages people to spend more money locally. I think this is a really good opportunity for Cheriton."

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