Villagers 'in the dark' over traffic lights works

Local business owners are concerned about the impact traffic will have on their trade

Residents of a Kent village said they are being kept "in the dark" over the impact of roadworks which could take months.

New traffic lights are being installed at a junction in Hawkhurst as part of a new development on Highgate Hill, which will see a road close for over a month, according to developer Dandara.

Local councillor Ellen Neville told BBC Radio Kent villagers have been "poorly informed" of the works on the A229/A268 intersection, which is also known as "the crossroads of The Weald".

Dandara, the developer behind the scheme to build 71 homes, apologised "for any inconvenience experienced by local residents due to the planned works".

David Dorking, a volunteer at the Weald Society for The Disabled shop, says nobody is sure what to expect from the roadworks.

He said: "Some people say both lanes are going to be closed, other people say it's just one lane at a time.

"We're really just in the dark."

New traffic lights will be installed at a key intersection in Hawkhurst

Other residents are concerned about the impact of tailbacks on their everyday lives.

Petra Paul, the owner of craft shop The Studio, on Cranbrook Road, is concerned about the effect the roadworks will have on her business.

She said: "The last time we had roadworks It was quite bad. Takings were down and we were very quiet.

"It was horrendous getting into work, getting out of work. People avoid the area because you know whatever direction they're coming from it will take ages."

Young mother Jenny Leigh said increased traffic in the village will add an extra hour to her commute to Tunbridge Wells.

She said: "I'm going to be late home to feed my baby and get her ready for bed."

Resident David Dorking says people are unclear on potential road closures

Dandara confirmed there would be a full road closure on the Cranbrook Road side of the junction, in the centre of Hawkhurst, from 31 March to 8 May.

From 8 May to 15 June, the Hawkhurst Moor side of the junction on Highgate Hill would be fully shut.

Temporary traffic lights would be in place from 15 June for at least five days until a permanent set was installed, said the company.

Ms Neville, a councillor at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, says not enough was being done to raise awareness of the works.

She said: "What I'm trying my best to do is to open up the channels of communication to ensure everyone can be prepared.

"The work is inevitable. It is going to cause chaos. The disruption is going to be there.

"But if we can just all be aware in advance and just have as much information as possible then we can plan around that."

A spokesperson from Kent County Council said: "These works are being delivered by a third-party developer, Dandara, who would lead on the wider consultation and engagement ahead of the permit application.

"KCC's involvement has been to issue the street works permits and give the required notification of the works."

A spokesperson for Dandara said: "We apologise for any inconvenience experienced by local residents due to the planned works at the Hawkhurst crossroads starting on 31 March.

"We have worked closely alongside Kent County Council to ensure the roadworks are carried out as efficiently as possible to minimise disruption."

Additional reporting by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.