Campaigners fighting a Kent lorry park plan aired their views at a packed public meeting - but weren't able to quiz the county council cabinet member for transport, Keith Ferrin. He failed to attend.

The meeting was organised by the Lorry Park Alliance in Brabourne village hall on Saturday. Chairman Cllr Peter Wood said Cllr Ferrin had been expected. “He was given a grilling and had a rough ride when he attended our previous meeting at Mersham,” he said.

The lorry park, near Aldington, is proposed by KCC as an alternative to Operation Stack. It would be a permanent site for 500 lorries but be capable of taking 3,000.

The plan has faced stiff opposition since it was announced last month.

Ashford MP Damian Green, who was on the panel facing questions, rejected criticism that he was sitting on the fence and said he was seeking solutions to Operation Stack at the highest levels. He wanted to explore all options before making a judgement.

Protest march planObjectors are being invited to join a protest march against the lorry park on Saturday, May 3, starting at 11am from Sellindge village hall.

Full reports from the Brabourne meeting in Thursday's Kentish Express.