Campaigners in Kennington, Ashford, have condemned proposals for a new footbridge over a railway line for ignoring the needs of disabled users.
The planned 8.5-metre ‘flow’ bridge will include only steps, replacing the existing pedestrian level crossing between Crown Hill View and Conningbrook Lakes. A previous plan for a ramped version was withdrawn due to higher cost concerns.
Disability advocate Doug Paulley has threatened judicial review if Kent County Council does not uphold its Equality Act obligations and ensure accessible access is provided. He criticised the proposal as “baking in inaccessibility for decades to come.”
Wheelchair user and accessibility consultant Christiane Link described the plan as “an appalling contradiction of promises on accessibility and equity,” emphasising that accessible infrastructure benefits everyone—not only those with mobility impairments.
