The MP for Rochester and Strood, Kelly Tolhurst MP, presented a petition in the House of Commons today regarding the proposed loss of Deangate Ridge on the Hoo Peninsula and plans to construct a relief road and flyover from the A289 Hasted Road.

The petition, co-ordinated by local Parish Council chairmen Cllr George Crozer and Cllr Ron Sands, had reached over 4,000 signatures from residents who were objecting to the plans outlined in Medway Council’s Housing Infrastructure Fund project.

Kelly Tolhurst said: “The Council’s proposals are deeply unpopular amongst my constituents and this petition, which has been signed by over 4,000 people, shows the strength of feeling which there is against these plans.

“Many residents and Councillors have expressed grave concerns over these plans,

“I hope that the presentation of this petition will highlight the deeply held concerns of local residents and will encourage Government to look closely at the proposals.”

The petition formally requests that the Government reject plans to build a flyover via Higham Road and relief road through Deangate Ridge – a key Asset of Community Value and also very near to the protected Lodge Hill Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It also asks that Deangate is developed as an asset that would continue to serve the wellbeing of the local community.