Work to improve the “unfortunate premature” cracked paving stones and remove the Flume artwork in Ashford's town centre will start next week.

Repairs will be made to Bank Street and parts of Tufton Street to replace the broken and crumbling slabs that were laid when the shared space scheme was introduced in 2008.

In addition, most of the Flume artwork, which runs from Bank Street to the town’s International Station, will be removed.

It will be replaced with granite paving slabs to match the rest of the scheme.

The work will start on Tuesday (May 26) and is expected to last up until the end of October.

Kent County Council, who will carry out the repairs, say the maintenance work is “essential” due to “some unfortunate premature failure of the paving”.

The work will be carried out in three phases, intended to minimise the effect on local businesses, say KCC.

"The existing surface has worn out and become damaged and we want to provide a brand new surface, designed to last well into the future.” - KCC's Roger Wilkin

Roger Wilkin, KCC’s director of highways, transportation and waste, adds: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these road works but the existing surface has worn out and become damaged and we want to provide a brand new surface, designed to last well into the future.”

For the duration of the project, the bus stops will be moved from Bank Street and relocated to Vicarage Lane.

The taxi ranks will be relocated to Elwick Square during the first phase and will return to their normal place for the remainder of the scheme.

Local diversions will be set up and signposted to assist drivers, and the disabled bays and taxi stands will be suspended in Tufton Street and Middle Street.

The shared space scheme was installed in 2008 to give equal priority to pedestrains and traffic.

The Flume artwork, which cost £100,000, was designed to guide walkers towards the station.

Over the last seven years however, both have suffered from frequent criticism after it was revealed that the materials used to create them were not strong enough for the traffic that has been driving and parking on it.

The paving stones are also badly stained and the Flume, which runs through the paving, is often clogged with rubbish and cigarette butts.

The replacement granite slabs will this time be laid on a bed of mortar rather than a sand base which will provide a durable base and allow for proper cleaning of the slabs.

The laminated slabs that were used to produce the Flume will be removed and recycled into hard-core.

The section of Flume that runs along Elwick Road however will remain in place as it has not endured damage from vehicles.

If you have an questions about any aspects of the roadworks, call 03000 418181, or email traffic.schemes@kent.gov.uk.