Lay by MUST CLOSE

HUGH ROBERTSON URGES KCC TO CLOSE A249 LAY BY

Hugh Robertson has written to KCC urging them to close the A249 lay by. His latest letter follows a meeting of the A249 Action Group – incorporating all the parish councils and interested individuals – at which there was unanimous support for the closure.

The lay by gained public prominence as a location for gay sex and soft drug use. It is regularly featured on internet sites advertising these services. The issue was highlighted by the Kent Messenger last summer and Hugh visited the site, with Parish Council Chairman Keith Donald to hear the concerns of local residents.

Following political pressure from Hugh and the Parish Councils, KCC took a decision to close the lay by. That decision is now due to go before the Maidstone Joint Transportation Board in March. Hugh has, therefore, written to KCC urging them to take action as soon as possible after the meeting.

Hugh said: “I am extremely keen to see this lay by closed. The combination of screening from the A249, the woods, and the field behind it has made it a perfect location for some undesirable and unacceptable activities.

“I very much hope that KCC’s decision to close the lay by will be actioned as a matter of urgency and not obstructed by Maidstone Borough Council.”