The impending closure of a town’s bus station has been branded a “disgrace” as frustrated residents face “chaotic” roadworks.
Folkestone bus station in Bouverie Square will shut on Saturday, September 20 – a month later than initially planned – after a bid to turn it into a public park was approved earlier this year.
Bus stops are to be temporarily moved to Middelburg Square before they are due to be permanently sited in Shellons Street.
But residents say the project is “badly planned” as roadworks which started in the area in April “are already taking a very long time”.
The plan is part of Folkestone and Hythe District Council’s (FHDC) ‘A Brighter Future’ scheme, backed by £20 million of government Levelling Up funding in a bid to improve the town centre.
Contractor Jackson Civil Engineering (JCE) is currently working on the bus station section of the scheme, which will see the northern arm of Middelburg Square – which is currently one-way – become two-way with the aim of improving the flow of traffic.
Other changes include the infilling of two subways in Middelburg Square, construction of a new footbridge from Guildhall Street North, and a 20mph speed limit from Cheriton Road and Cheriton Gardens through to Shellons Street.
The whole project is expected to be completed next summer, but residents have blasted the current roadworks, which have seen drivers face temporary barriers and narrow lanes, including a four-way traffic system at Radnor Park roundabout.
Pensioner Jennifer De Jager, who has lived in the town for eight years and uses the bus station three times a week, believes the scheme is “badly planned”.
“I think it’s a disgrace what they are doing here,” she said.
“It’s already taking a very long time and the new park is just going to be a site for vandals.
“The bus station is so important to so many people. Services are already limited as it is and this will only make things worse.
“I’m still trying to get my head around it all.”
Planning permission for the overhaul was granted in March despite concerns from some residents over the potential for increased anti-social behaviour in the new park.
However, Kent Police raised no objection, and officers confirmed CCTV will be installed throughout the site, which it is hoped will create a new “green heart” for the town.
But some bus passengers fear the changes will make everyday life harder – particularly for those with limited mobility – due to the gradient of Shellons Street.
Pensioner Sheila Butcher, who has lived in Folkestone for six years and uses the bus station five times a week, said: “What they should have done is knock down the old Saga building [at Middelburg Square] and move the bus station to that site if we wanted to put a park here.
“I know the bus station is run down and could do with some work, but getting rid of the whole thing seems mad.
“I use the station almost every day, and it’s going to make my life a lot more difficult, especially for someone at my age when I need to carry my shopping to the new stop further down the road.
“I don’t think the scheme has been well thought out at all. Just look at the chaos the roadworks are causing at the moment.”
Following the concerns from residents, FHDC says it is “working hard” to try and minimise the impact of the works.
A spokesman added: “Such a complex highways and public realm scheme will inevitably cause disruption and we understand that congestion is frustrating.
“Partners are working hard to try and minimise the impact of the works on both residents and businesses.
“The traffic management in place is subject to inspection by specialists within the Kent County Council (KCC) Streetworks team at least twice a week, with any issues noted being rectified.
“We are aware of the particular congestion around the four-way traffic system at Radnor Park roundabout.
“These lights have been switched to manual operation during the day so that traffic can be alleviated and KCC is working on a new traffic management plan for the area which will be introduced shortly.
“We thank residents and businesses for their ongoing patience while Folkestone town centre is transformed.”
JCE says work is “progressing as scheduled”, with efforts being made to “minimise disruption” where possible.
The station was initially set to close on Saturday, August 16, but FHDC confirmed this has now been changed to Saturday, September 20 due to a rephasing of the works programme caused by “material schedules”.
Joel Mitchell, managing director of Stagecoach South East, says the bus operator has been “working closely with FHDC and KCC”.
“Our services will relocate to new, modern bus stops in the town centre from Sunday, September 21, to keep improving our services,” he said.
“We’re fully committed to ensuring a smooth transition for our customers and will be sharing full details of the new pick-up and drop-off points in the coming weeks.
“Importantly, all our services in Folkestone will continue to run as normal.
“Over the last year, we’ve seen our network become more settled, with improvements in reliability, punctuality, and the quality of customer information.”
In a further statement, a spokesman for FHDC added: “As part of the project the Folkestone bus station will move to a linear layout and Bouverie Square will return to its former use as a garden square.
“The two bus stops outside the station will be moved temporarily from Tuesday, September 2.
“National Express services will relocate to the bus stop outside of the back of Sainsbury’s on Bouverie Road West.
“Details of routes and which temporary bus stops will serve the various routes will be available from Friday, August 15.
“Stagecoach is developing a graphic with details of all temporary stops that will be shared after this date, along with a dedicated promotional webpage and posters to help inform and guide customers throughout the transition.”
The broader ‘A Brighter Future’ scheme also includes creating space in Sandgate Road for markets and outdoor events, and improving walking routes through Guildhall Street and Shellons Street.
Further changes are proposed to improve pedestrian crossings at Folkestone Central Station and Radnor Park.
