A community campaign led by the parishioners of St Paul’s Church in Dover has attracted around 700 signatures and was presented to Parliament by Dover and Deal MP, Natalie Elphicke.
The petitioners urge the Government to call on Dover District Council and Kent County Council to re-think the planned Pencester Road Fastrack Proposals.
Residents are concerned that these changes will pose a significant risk to pedestrian safety, increase traffic congestion and jeopardise the invaluable cultural and heritage contributions of St. Paul’s Catholic Church to the area of Dover.
Local residents and businesses have also expressed their concerns that loss of business is certain to occur if parking spaces are removed.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Natalie Elphicke said,
“This is a poorly considered proposal that will add to traffic congestion, disadvantage older and disabled people, damage local businesses and shops in the town of Dover, and harm access to the church, including access for weddings and funerals and access to the world-renowned Pilgrims Way.”
In response to KCC’s plans, Parish Priest, Fr Leo Illah CSSp, said:
“The current plans would forever change St Paul’s church. It’s vital that the plans are looked at again, and the iconic landscape of St Paul’s, the Priest’s House, and Pilgrim’s Garden are protected, along with the vibrant church community which supports so many local residents.”
Dover District Councillor, Martin Bates, has also expressed reservations about the proposed scheme, highlighting potential impacts on small businesses, cyclist safety, and the efficacy of the proposed mitigation plan. Cllr Bates states:
“This proposed scheme is flawed and needs urgently rethinking.”
Writing in response to Kent County Council’s consultation, the Rt Rev. Paul Hendricks, the Auxiliary Bishop for the Kent Area has said:
“The priest and people are not only concerned about the positioning of the lights, but also about the prospect of an increase in traffic in Pencester Road, resulting from the proposed change to two-way traffic.
“Given that the church has been on this site since 1868, and that it is easier to change a traffic scheme than to move a church, I strongly urge that this plan be reconsidered.”
NOTES
Link to Hansard https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2023-12-11/debates/34BAF0B4-BC9D-4206-B167-B3ABED06ED68/DoverFastrack#contribution-BE22557F-EC4F-400C-B1B6-5C9883C233CB
Link to the KCC Consultation Pencester Road, Dover – https://letstalk.kent.gov.uk/pencester-road
Link to Community Petition https://forms.office.com/e/f3gtpM8g8J