Two public meetings have been called to allow people to share views on controversial cycle lane plans.

The proposed 'active travel' infrastructure investment in a bike-friendly route between Cheriton and Folkestone has been met with outrage from traders who fear significant loss of parking close to local shops.

Implementation of the Kent County Council (KCC) scheme, paid for by the government’s Active Travel Fund, would require the removal of around 70% of the on-street parking in Cheriton Road and Cheriton High Street to make way for the cycle paths.

Conservative ward councillors Peter Gane and John Collier have now arranged two meetings at St Joseph's Church Hall in Narrabeen Road on Monday, October 18, one at 2pm and a second at 7pm.

"Peter Gane and I have been distributing leaflets throughout Cheriton inviting residents to submit their views," Cllr Collier said.

"The vast majority have expressed grave concern as to the potential consequences were the scheme to be given the go ahead by Kent County Council.

"The proposals would have a serious impact on trade and would exacerbate the parking problems in the side roads. While we both acknowledge the need to take action on environmental issues it is most certainly not appropriate in this instance."

John Baker, who runs County Hardware in Cheriton, has collected more than 2,500 signatures opposing the proposal for the new infrastructure linking the area to the centre of Folkestone.

"So many businesses will close," Mr Baker, who has run his shop for almost 25 year, said in response to the plans.

However Green Party ward councillor Rebecca Shoob is in favour of the investment in the area, part of £6 million for five active travel schemes across the county secured by KCC.

"We all want to see a thriving local high street," she said. "We are really lucky to have such a great and growing range of local shops in Cheriton.

"Making it a cleaner, safer, more attractive place to spend time in should lead to greater footfall and spend."

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