by Thom Morris
tmorris@thekmgroup.co.uk

A footbridge over the M20 will be built after KCC gave the plans the green light on Tuesday.
The 69-metre (226ft) steel suspended structure will be built near junction 9 and will link Warren Retail Park and Eureka Park.
It is being constructed because of multi-million pound alterations to the Drover’s roundabout which include widening the roads.
Part of the work will see the existing cycle and footpaths removed. LED lights will be fitted into the handrails of the 4-metre wide (13ft) bridge which will beam onto the path. The lights are expected to last 12 years before needing to be replaced. Coloured lights will be installed to highlight the structure which will be suspended 5.5 metres (18ft) above the motorway.
The only complaints about the footbridge came from the owners of four businesses in the Warren Retail Park. Businesses were concerned at the area becoming a rat-run and an increasing number of cyclists using the bridge which could cause problems with the cars visiting the shops.
A number of conditions have been placed on the approval which will need to be completed before construction work can begin.
These include details of the materials to be used, a water vole survey and archaeological works.
Construction work will only be done between 7am and 7pm Monday to Friday while Saturday’s works will begin at 8pm and finish at 1pm. Work will not be permitted on Sundays.