A select and secretive band of people has been meeting behind closed doors to discuss the future of the Westgate Towers traffic trial.

Euphemistically called the St Dunstan’s Regeneration Steering Group, it is presenting Canterbury’s residents with a fait d’accompli – four options, one of which is the abandoned scheme and two others which closely resemble it.

They say they will consult, but have rejected outright any idea of a public meeting to discuss the controversial plans.

Instead, they think you will be satisfied with an exhibition outlining their proposals with a couple of Kent County Council officers on hand to answer questions, if they can, and that we will be content with a press conference at the Beaney.

We wondered what they have to hide so will be holding our own public meeting.

It will take place from 7pm to 9.30pm on Tuesday, September 24, at Canterbury High school’s main hall, off Knight Avenue, Canterbury.

We organised the meeting as it emerged the controversial Westgate Towers traffic trial had claimed its first victim.

Popular chef Patrick Williams, who runs the bespoke catering business Patrick's Kitchen in the Goods Shed, said the scheme has forced him out of business.

He says the loyal customer base he spent more than eight years building up has “evaporated” as a direct result of the hugely contentious project.

The 59-year-old lost a staggering £10,000 in trade during the course of the 12-month experiment, and has struggled to recover since it was scrapped in April.

The eaterie was one of several businesses to face a sharp drop in custom as a result of the road measures, which closed the Westgate Towers to traffic and caused gridlock in the St Dunstan’s area.

But while many have suffered, Patrick’s Kitchen is thought to be the first company to succumb to the difficulties.

The former King’s student, who travels to work by train from his home in Nonington every day, said: “I’ve spent eight years working very hard to build up a careful following of regular customers who depend on me.

“My weekend trade completely evaporated during the trial. I’ve already been forced to lay off my one member of staff. It’s just unfeasible to continue."

He added: “The city council doesn’t seem to understand the value of the Goods Shed. It supports the local economy and helps to sustain local suppliers.

“I’ve been to many council meetings, and there’s no debate – just agreement. It was astonishing that the leader continued the scheme despite the huge petition launched against it and the results of the council’s own consultation.”

After his kitchen shuts next month, Mr Williams plans to move to London, where he will continue cooking, while devoting more time to music and writing.

A consultation about four options for the future of the road layout in Canterbury – one of which involves re-instating the trial as a permanent scheme – is due to start on Monday.