MARTYN PENNINGTON, LIBERAL DEMOCRAT COUNCILLOR FOR SANDWICH TOWN COUNCIL, REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2024

In Sandwich, the positioning of the bus stop by the Guildhall Forecourt, which has just been renovated at a cost of over £1 million, is concerning residents because traffic approaching from behind the buses is unsighted. Furthermore and more worryingly, pedestrians cannot see vehicles approaching, especially cars intending to turn left into Cattle Market. There have already been several near misses and it’s only a matter of time before a serious accident occurs. 

Sadly Kent County Council and Dover District Council have refused to take our residents’ concerns seriously. The Town Council passed a resolution maintaining our objections to the scheme, but regrettably Sandwich’s Conservative Kent County Councillor did not bother to attend and may be unaware of the serious risk to residents, particularly elderly people.

I, along with most other town councillors, will continue to push for action by KCC to rectify this dangerous situation.

I have also visted Sandwich Pantry, as I have a special concern for those in Sandwich who are not ‘just about managing’. The Pantry does a terrific job in providing food at cheap prices for those who cannot afford to shop at the main foodstores and supermarkets.  

I have also raised concerns that the Age UK centre in Sandwich, which supports elderly people throughout the area, gets sufficient funding to carry on its good work.