The historic 600-year-old Westgate Towers could be protected from traffic under a new plan.

In a controversial move, vehicles entering the city will be sent on such a long diversion council chiefs hope they will avoid the towers altogether.

People have been given until June 17 to comment on the proposal.

If given the go-ahead, the plan will count as a significant victory for campaigners concerned by serious damage to the building from vehicles passing through.

The Kent Highway Services scheme will see city-bound traffic in St Dunstan's Street diverted along Station Road West in a large loop which brings them out in North Lane.

The plan is scheduled to go before the city council later this summer. If approved, work could begin before the end of the year.

~For full story and reaction, see this week’s Kentish Gazette, out on Thursday.