Tories will be called to publicly explain their reasons for cutting funding for a new Park and Ride this week.

Two weeks ago Maidstone council announced that it would push back funding for the proposed Langley Park Farm Park and Ride site.

Instead it would spend the earmarked £1.5 million on improvements to the town centre.

The decision has been fiercely opposed by Lib Dems, who say the new Park and Ride is vital to replace the closed Armstrong Road service.

They have called a special scrutiny meeting to discuss the issue, which will be held at Maidstone Town Hall at 6.30pm on Thursday.

Under the Tory proposals, the Park and Ride will be considered for funding in the “medium-term”.

In its place the council has given higher priority to projects that will boost housing and business in the borough, including fresh spending on plans for an All Saints Link Road and the South East Maidstone Strategic Link, formerly known as the Leeds and Langley bypass.

At the meeting the Lib Dems could call on the Tories to reconsider their plans, or ask for it to be voted on at a meeting of the full council.

For a full report from the meeting see www.kentmessenger.co.uk on Friday.