by Hayley Robinson

A multiple car accident happened just days after residents and councillors raised safety concerns about a blind bend on the road.

Police were called to Chestnut Street, Borden, at 8.30am on May 16 after a car smashed into the back of a silver Ford Fiesta which was parked on the same side and just past the Tudor Rose pub. Five cars were damaged as a result, one of which overturned.

A woman was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham with chest and lower back pain.

A police car was used to block the road while the vehicles were recovered. Traffic was flowing freely again by 10.50am.

Malcolm Luxton, who moved to the area eight years ago, claims it is the latest in a series of accidents which have occurred on the bend.

He says the problem is caused by coach commuters parking their cars there.

He said: "The road from the Tudor Rose to the Key Street roundabout has become a parking lot for workers who leave their cars and travel to work in groups.

"While residents welcome the saving in fuel by people sharing cars, this dangerous blind bend by the pub should have double yellow lines so accidents like the one on May 16 are not repeated."

Cllr Hampshire said: "I am aware of the problems and the parish council raised concerns about this particular stretch of road when they met on May 12.

"I understand they are writing to Swale council to suggest such schemes as restricted parking and or double yellow lines.

"I also suggested maybe revisiting the speed limits along the old A249 which is Maidstone Road and Chestnut Street and I believe they are writing to Kent County Council about this.

"An application has also been made to county councillor Keith Ferrin for interactive speed signs and we are waiting to here the outcome."

A spokesman for Kent County Council said: "We will always listen to residents’ concerns and consider what they have to say."

Kent Highways can be contacted on 08458 247800 or by emailing kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.uk