Deal Town Council has joined residents, business owners and taxi drivers in opposing any change to the traffic flow in South Street.

Following a lengthy debate at a planning meeting last Wednesday, with input from members of the public who were given the opportunity to speak on the matter, chairman Cllr Wayne Elliott has composed a letter to the KCC.

Writing on behalf of the council he outlined their objections to the proposed highway improvement scheme.

He said: “There will be no benefit to the area by changing the direction of the traffic flow. The proposal will increase traffic in Middle Street.

“Appropriate studies, ie traffic and impact, have not taken place to be included in this consultation.”

The council is also concerned that if buses are parked on the other side of South Street businesses will be affected by exhaust fumes.

Another consideration is that the Gilford Road and Victoria Road intersection is already a problem junction, and councillors are concerned that altering the traffic flow will make it more dangerous.

He added: “This scheme was first suggested in the 80s and was rejected then.”

Deal Town Council would however welcome minor changes to the area.

Their suggestions include asking Stagecoach to consider relocating the National Express stop to the coach stop in Beach Street and re-instating the bus shelter there.

Another amendment could be to remove the traffic island at the junction of Victoria and Sondes Road to allow buses and lorries to get on the right-hand side of the road to ease access into Sondes Road.

Walmer Parish Council is now encouraging all interested parties to comment on the plans by tomorrow (Friday).

Cllr Pat Heath, chairman of Walmer Parish Council, said: “Although South Street is not within the parish of Walmer, it is the transport hub for the whole area with buses and taxis serving Deal, Walmer and the rural areas beyond.

“It is important that everyone is aware of the plans and is able to comment if they wish.”

Responses will be collated and reported to the Dover Joint Transportation Board in September.