Bypass Plan Dropped

The Government has rejected the Hawkinge bypass scheme. The rejected scheme would have meant hundreds of new houses being built without the necessary infrastructure.

A recent Village Referendum conducted by local Lib Dems found that nearly 70% of people were against the scheme. Most people want a bypass as originally proposed at the time of Channel Tunnel construction - without the need for extra housing.

Local Cllr Peter Smith commented, "Local people spoke loud and clear in the referendum. The Government and its Inspector completely rejected the 'houses for bypass' scheme. Now we must look to the future."

Peter Carroll added, "Hawkinge deserves a proper bypass as it was promised at the time of the Channel tunnel. We will continue to work with local residents to sort out the traffic problems in our area."