Our town has a wonderful seafront, but too often the experience of travelling to it – and walking along it – is blighted by fast traffic, noisy vehicles and a feeling that it is not as safe as it should be.
So in recent months I have been working with Kent County Council, the Department of Transport (DfT) and local residents to make Herne Bay a more attractive place for pedestrians and cyclists, building a better seaside experience which will be more pleasant for residents and visitors alike.
These plans include:
- A seafront ‘plaza’ on Central Parade at the base of the pier, providing a pedestrianised public space that connects to St Anne’s Gardens, allowing people to relax in a peaceful environment
- A dedicated safe cycling route from Herne Bay station to the seafront, via Memorial Park, helping tourists and locals enjoy their time in Herne Bay and do so without putting extra cars on the road
- An expanded 20mph zone covering the core of the town, reducing vehicle speeds and noise, while making our streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists and mobility scooters.
Having successfully bid for a large grant from the DfT, we can now make those plans a reality and are asking local residents for their thoughts, before we finalise the project and start construction in the spring. The public consultation is available here - https://www.kent.gov.uk/hernebayat
In the long-term, other related projects are planned, such as through the Levelling Up Fund bid. Ultimately I believe we can transform Herne Bay into Kent’s most attractive and accessible seaside town, which will not only improve the environment, but also increase local jobs as more people visit our town.
For now, I hope you share our vision for a healthier and happier Herne Bay and would love to have your feedback on these plans, so please do give your views via the consultation.