North Farm Traffic Situation Now Sorted

The long-awaited completion of the multi-million-pound Longfield Road improvement scheme has been marked by the planting of a tree next to the improved road. MP Greg Clark carried out the digging last Friday, attended by local politicians and business executives formally to reopen the road, one kilometre of which is now a dual carriageway, between the A21 roundabout and Dowding Way. Mr Clark was quoted to have said: “This is certainly a day for celebration – sorting out the traffic nightmare of North Farm is a massive step forward. “This project is a great example of team work between the government, Kent County Council, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and landowners, and I’m grateful to all of them for their efforts. It shows what can be achieved when everyone pulls together.” In total, £7.35 million was spent on the plan, which had been condemned for running excessively over budget and over time. The development was launched in reaction to calls from companies and the borough council to tackle congestion ruining the retail park. KCC approved plans to increase access, securing £3.5million government subsidy to enable the scheme to go ahead. Further funding came from developers and a KCC contribution. Original evaluations for the cost were £5 million, with completion due in March. A KCC spokesman conceded to the Times last month the plan had been hindered as utility companies were ‘failing to stick to agreed schedules’. Matthew Balfour, KCC cabinet member for environment and transportation, said: “I’m delighted this scheme is in use – benefitting shoppers, local business and residents in Tunbridge Wells – and we would like to thank them all for bearing with us during the last year. “Construction was very challenging because it involved working along a road that was heavily congested to start with.”