Residents fear work on laying a new pipeline will cause major disruption.

Ashford is getting a new sewage system as the current pumping station in South Ashford is struggling to cope and the developments to the south east of the town demand an improved system.

Work is due to start in January and other areas of Ashford will also be affected by the four-kilometre long Southern Water project.

But it is not only the expected traffic problems which worry Willesborough residents as Alsops Road will get a wastewater pumping station, affecting nearby Southerton.

Keith Hayward, who lives with his family next to a field in Bentley Road, has started a campaign objecting to Southern Water’s plans for part of the field to become a contractors’ storage site.

He has collected more than 50 letters of objection from neighbours.

Southern Water says its multi-million pound investment in Ashford’s infrastructure will ensure the future growth of the town can be accommodated.

A spokesman said the firm would ensure the Bentley Road compound land was returned to its original condition when the contractors leave

For full story, see Thursday's Kentish Express.