ONE of Kent's best-known businesses last night confirmed it is pushing ahead with investigations that could see it leave its Chatham headquarters after more than a century.

The Kent Reliance Building Society sent its chief executive, Mike Lazenby, to Medway Council's monthly meeting to quiz the Conservative administration about the impact the four month-old Chatham two-way system is having on the Thames Gateway's future city centre.

He was among several local traders and residents asking questions about constant road congestion, numerous traffic lights and delays caused by the £5.2million scheme.

But the Cabinet's highways portfolio holder, Cllr Phil Filmer (Con) was absent. The mayor, Cllr Angela Prodger, said he was caring for his sick wife.

Of 131 businesses interviewed by two of the objectors, all but two had lost business through the road changes, they claimed.

Mr Lazenby said Cllr Filmer had failed to answer written questions while other businessmen accused the Conservatives of not talking with them.

"Are the views of local people - residents and businesses - taken into account; have you received any positive reaction, and will that colour your decision whether it becomes permanent or not?" Mr Lazenby demanded.

The deputy leader of the council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said he did not know the answers, but was sure there was a good explanation why Mr Lazenby's questions were unanswered.

Outside the Council Chamber, Mr Lazenby said: "This has done nothing to encourage us that the traffic situation will be resolved to anyone's satisfaction. It was all very political.

"We have options to move elsewhere in Medway, or elsewhere than Medway. We are now reviewing those options."

Councillors heard that 6,759 people have signed the petition calling for the Sir John Hawkins flyover to stay, and for the one-way ring road to be reinstated.

The flyover will be demolished this summer and replaced by a new bus station.

The scheme was designed to transform Chatham's fortunes, and create a new shopping environment that would form a city centre.