Two unpopular traffic schemes which town traders warned risked the future of their businesses have been scrapped just weeks after being implemented.

Highways bosses at Kent County Council had put in place restrictions in Albion Street, Broadstairs , and a one-way system in Westgate , to allow for social distancing and promote 'active travel' by foot or bike.

But both schemes, due to be in place for up to 18 months, were heavily criticised, with objectors warning they would destroy business and lead to empty shops.

In Westgate, where Station Road had been made one-way with parking bays removed, the Christmas fair committee said they would even have to cancel the popular festive event this year and next, due to lack of space.

MP for North Thanet, Sir Roger Gale, wrote to KCC leader Cllr Roger Gough demanding the changes be removed before there is an accident.

A KCC spokesman says parking spaces in Station Road have now been returned and the road system reinstated to two-way, following the feedback.

He said: "While the scheme was implemented to promote social distancing and increase walking and cycling opportunities, and we still see the benefits this brings, local KCC members, the town council and Sir Roger Gale requested the scheme be removed."

Thanet district councillor Bertie Braidwood, who was instrumental in the campaign against the road scheme, commended KCC for keeping its word and listening to people's views.

"We all assumed that this proposal would be made permanent (me included) but KCC has listened to residents and business owners and decided to pull the plug and return the street scene to how it was," he said.

"A win for democracy and it's refreshing to know that our voices were heard."

KCC has also now announced it will remove the pedestrian and cycle zone in Albion Street and Harbour Street in Broadstairs, and the bus gate in Albion Street.

The scheme caused confusion following its launch on September 25, with many drivers ignoring the new restrictions.

A KCC spokesman confirmed all changes will be removed as it is "not giving the anticipated benefits of promoting safe social distancing and increased opportunities for walking and cycling".

"One of the reasons this scheme did not work was compliance with the bus gate - we did not want to prohibit or negatively impact upon buses but vehicles continued to ignore the restrictions," he said.

"We are going to work closely with the local KCC members, the MP and the town council to launch a public consultation around the future opportunities that could support summer trade and traffic pinch points."

South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay welcomed the move.

"The proposal was ill-thought out from the start and created new rat-runs via Carlton Avenue, Lindenthorpe Road, Crow Hill and Nelson Place, increasing distance travelled for no good purpose," he said.

"Now I want to look to the future and explore different, more workable ideas to address congestion issues in the town and the Isle more generally in order to support our fantastic tourist and hospitality businesses, but ensuring that local residents’ views form the backbone of any future plans."

Both schemes were rolled out by KCC after it was awarded £1.6 million from the Government's emergency active travel fund.

KCC had to spend the grant within eight weeks so it would have access to full funding of more than £8 million for further schemes.

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