A raft of proposed changes to a town’s road network have been unveiled – including a new roundabout, bicycle lanes and several pedestrian crossings.

Council bosses say the new layout will make walking and cycling in Folkestone safer, along with boosting green spaces.

But critics fear the scheme – funded through government Levelling Up cash – could create “even more congestion” on some routes.

The plans have been put forward by Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) and Kent County Council (KCC) in an attempt to simplify road systems leading to the town centre.

Freshly-released designs show multiple zebra crossings will be added to the roundabout next to the Park Inn pub in Radnor Park, which the authority believes will be safer for pedestrians.

A new roundabout is also set to be built, near Brew cafe, linking Cheriton Road, Cheriton Gardens and Shorncliffe Road.

However, the route here will remain a one-way system - so drivers will not be able to exit the roundabout onto Cheriton Gardens.

Cllr Rich Holgate (Green), who is heading up the scheme, says the changes will help create a “safer road network”.

When asked by KentOnline, he was unable to clarify how much money will be spent on the project but said a cost consultant will be appointed shortly.

“The road will still remain as a one-way system. We looked at the width of the road and we did not want to rip out resident parking and make sure people can safely cycle,” he said.

“The roundabout will help to create a safer road network.”

Cllr Holgate, who represents Hythe and is an FHDC cabinet member, says the extra zebra and toucan crossings will prove vital for public safety.

Seven new crossings are planned, while another will be “repurposed”.

Recently, FHDC deputy leader Tim Prater (Lib Dem), said the project is “the start of £20 million quid’s worth of work” supported by the government’s Levelling Up Fund.

However, Cllr Jackie Meade (Lab) thinks these additions could create problems in the future.

“My biggest issue regarding the plans is the roundabout next to Radnor Park,” she said.

“The new crossings are all too close to it. When you come off a roundabout cars tend to speed up and I think this could be an issue.

“I think this will create even more congestion.”

Cllr Holgate insists FHDC has looked at the proposed changes “very carefully” before making the decisions.

“We are looking to find a balance but not a utopia,” he continued.

“From a congestion point of view, it is hard to say whether the extra crossings would worsen this. But from a public safety perspective, we feel this is important.”

As well as the changes to the road system, the plans include the addition of “green space” areas and seating in pedestrian areas along the route to the town centre.

Furthermore, “clear signage” will be provided to assist cyclists going from Folkestone Central station to the town.

AECOM, an infrastructure consulting firm, has been appointed by KCC which will be FHDC’s delivery partner for the project.

It is not yet known when a planning application will be submitted, but Cllr Holgate says construction could start “towards the end of March 2024”.

FHDC also has ambitious plans to use the Levelling Up cash to close the existing Folkestone bus station and transform the site in Bouverie Square into a green public space.

Council chiefs are targeting their efforts on the top end of the town, between the Central station and Sandgate Road, which is the first taste visitors have of the town when arriving by train.

Buses would in future pick up and drop off on Middelburg Square alongside the Bouverie Place shopping centre.

Other parts of the plan focus on the redevelopment of Folca, the council-owned building which was previously home to Debenhams, and the rejuvenation of the key shopping precincts on Sandgate Road and Guildhall Street.