The Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughin, has addressed lorry issues in Sandwich after a visit last week.

In an election campaign visit, he met with a member of Sandwich Town Team, MJ Holloway, and the Conservative candidate for South Thanet Craig Mackinlay and was shown photographs of large lorries becoming stuck in the town.

This comes after a spate of incidents which has seen more than five lorries becoming stuck in the last few weeks.

Howard Norton, of Sandwich Town Team said: “Ironically most of these manoeuvres were perfectly legal under the ridiculous current regulations, leaving the police powerless to intervene.

Each truck was four or five times the limit that should apply under any common sense policy.

“In the meantime Kent County Council will not even acknowledge that Sandwich has a serious traffic problem so listed buildings suffer degradation and residents are subjected to daily nuisance. Will it take a fatality before they act?”

Mr McLoughlin said: “I am pleased this problem has been brought to my attention. Given Sandwich has a bypass, there shouldn’t be a need for such large lorries to go through what is a beautiful town.

“The regeneration of town centres and high streets is a Conservative priority, and Sandwich most certainly falls into this category.”

Mr Mackinlay said: “Kent County Council have agreed some new measures but this doesn’t go anywhere near far enough.

“Of course some lorries need access to the centre for deliveries to shops and pubs, and access is needed for the emergency services.

“But as the Transport Secretary said, Sandwich has a by-pass, so finding a solution to keeping out unnecessary lorries.

“Doing nothing isn’t an option. Other parties can only shout from the sidelines, but I am part of a strong Conservative team which can fix problems.”

The other election candidates have also voiced their concerns about lorries in the town. Labour’s Will Scobie says he would like more areas to have 20mph zone and better policing. Ukip’s Nige Farage says the lorry situation won’t change until foreign drivers have to buy a Brit Disc.

Some of the solutions outlined by KCC includes more signage for lorries on the roads leading to the town.

Mr Holloway, of the Town Team said: “English Heritage say Sandwich is one of the most important examples of a medieval town in England, a jewel. Residents of Sandwich just want the same as other historic towns, effective measures that reduce speeding and limit access for big vehicles.

“What we have at the moment is traffic chaos which is harming the environment, damaging our properties, and a risk to pedestrian safety.”

Mr Holloway is standing as a Dover District councillor and says if elected he will fight for a solution and make traffic problems a priority.