I am extremely disappointed that the Department for Transport has put the much-needed Blue Bell Hill improvement scheme on a list of projects at risk of being scrapped. I’ve been told that ministers plan to organise a review over the summer to decide whether to continue supporting the upgrades – or not.
Many local residents, particularly those living in Boxley, Walderslade, and Lordswood, know all too well that the Blue Bell Hill junction can be an absolute nightmare. I’ve been campaigning to get improvements for years and the last government had committed to the project, saying that it would even fund 100% of the upgrade. Kent County Council recently went through a public consultation. It’s hugely frustrating that the new government is now considering cancelling it at this stage.
The fact they are considering cancelling it even though they are pushing ahead with the Lower Thames Crossing and infrastructure investments in other parts of the country tells you a lot about this Government. If they cancel this, the message is clear that the residents of Kent are not among their priorities.
But they haven’t reached that point yet… so I will be pressing the Roads Minister as well as Kent County Council to stick to the plan of investing in Blue Bell Hill.
Please tell me if you still want to see Blue Bell Hill improved by completing my survey below.
