The first phase of Ashford’s shared space scheme opens today.

Bank Street opens up for both shoppers and traffic with improved paving and street furniture and a 20mph zone to increase safety.

The £800,000 in works in the area is part of a multi-million pound Kent County Council regeneration scheme for the town and the whole shared space scheme is due for completion in the autumn.

The new look includes a range of seating sized for one, two or three people and street lamps attached to buildings rather than on posts, to provide more pedestrian space.

Another key feature is The Flume, the line in the ground designed like a river with tributaries, running into the area from Ashford International Station.

For a full report on first phase opening see next Thursday’s Kentish Express.