MEMBERS of the AXA Pensions Group arriving for a conference at Leeds Castle today, Tuesday, were greeted by banner-waving StopKIG protestors.
Objectors to the giant road/rail freight interchange planned for Bearsted picketed the Broomfield Road entrance to the castle and handed out some leaflets to some of the AXA visitors before being moved on by the police.
AXA Real Estate Investment Management, one of the many arms of the global AXA company, that is financing the KIG scheme.
One of the protestors, Bearsted resident Valerie Springett said: “Our intention was to be completely non-threatening, but just to get our peaceful message across.”

The protestors handed out leaflets that read: "We hope you enjoy your visit to Leeds Castle, in the beautiful Kent countryside. We do think that you should know that this area is under threat of a huge industrial development – the Kent International Gateway, which, if built would have a devastating effect and will change its ‘Garden of England’ characteristics forever."

The eight-week public inquiry into the plan resumes on Thursday.

For full coverage of the inquiry see Friday's Kent Messenger.