Consultants have started a study to review the design and maintenance faults of Ashford controversial shared space.

Kent County Council’s new contractor Amey, whose contract officially starts on April 1, has started a study to identify the causes of deterioration, damage of materials and cleaning issues.

It follows problems with cracked and dirty tiles on the £15.9 million scheme which officially opened in 2008.

KCC’s district manager Lisa Holder said: “Amey has carried out an initial site visit and will be meeting with relevant parties in the coming weeks, including Ashford Borough Council officers, to identify the maintenance issues.

“This will include a further detailed site visit with key individuals there to understand fully their concerns to quantify and categorise the current condition of assets on the ground, including position and extent of any problems along the entire length of the scheme.”

The study will included a design review to look at the materials used, a construction review and a maintenance review.

Amey will consider defects identified on site and identify a range of options to rectify the historic and potential problems.

A progress report will be provided at the next joint transportation board meeting in June.