An overwhelming number of residents expressed their disapproval of the proposed changes to the traffic flow in South Street, Deal, on Monday.

New plans made by Kent County Council would reverse the direction of traffic along Sondes Road, into Victoria Road and then into South Street.

It would see the bus stops and taxi ranks moved to the opposite side of the street.

Following an initial meeting at Richard Smythe’s home on Friday, around 50 people gathered at Deal Town Hall to discuss the proposed changes. A third meeting tonight (Wednesday) at 7.15pm will see town councillors decide whether they will support of oppose the plans, at Deal Town Hall.

Mr Smythe, of Beach Street, said: “The direction of traffic should not be reversed. The things that need to be changed are the bus loading areas and the pavements should be upgraded.”

However Mr Smythe said that he would accept an island in the middle of South Street.

Robin Green, of Sandown Road, who is in charge of planning for the Deal Society, which campaigns for the preservation of the town’s heritage, said: “The proposals have not identified a series of difficulties.

“The only small issue I can see is the embarking and disembarking of bus passengers. We do not need to create a completely new one-way system to solve this.”

Amanda Goring, of Mill Hill, runs the Linea Hair Salon close by. She said: “My business is going to be dramatically affected if these plans go ahead.”

Kent County Council spokesman Ben Hilden said: “Detailed investigations have been carried out to look at improving the highway layout for all road users on South Street, Deal.

“Proposals include a change of traffic direction on South Street together with amending the highway layout in and around South Street to increase the usage of the road space.”

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