FRUSTRATED motorists are being reassured that problems on Ashford’s new two-way road during its opening week were not “typical”.

Jamie Watson, project implementation manager, said delays of 40 minutes experienced during peak periods in the first week of the new ring road would not become the norm.

But many people in Ashford continue to have serious doubts. Mr Watson said: “Obviously this first week is not a typical week as the run-up to the Tour de France had its impact on traffic as well as drivers getting used to the new layouts.

“Saturday had reported delays of 15 minutes to travel around the town.”

He said road monitoring had continued this week and adjustments were being made “where possible”.

Owner of Ashford Taxis, Les Brown, said he dreaded using the ring road. “If you didn’t have to go into Ashford, you wouldn’t.

“It took me 35 minutes from Orchards Heights to Enterprise in Godinton Road.

“I cannot see how they intend to make this better other than having a drop in the volume of traffic. That’s not what I call a growth area.”

John Packer, of Seekers Lettings based in New Street, said: “I’m having to allow an extra 15 minutes to get to appointments and 15 minutes to get back. This is enormous expense to business and pollution in the town.

“I’m sitting there for hours every day belching out diesel fumes.”

Viv Kenny, of Ashford Town Centre Partnership, said they are working with Ashford Borough Council and Kent County Council’s marketing department to work out how best to inform people of ongoing works.

Businesses and residents have been invited to a meeting at Oranges Bar Cafe, Apsley Street, on July 18 to discuss the Bank Street works.

Improvement work this week includes placing islands, signing and lining.

An advert has been placed in the July 12 edition of the Kentish Express to explain more about the puffin crossings after complaints from pedestrians.