A charity which “stands up for pedestrians” is praising shared space - or “naked streets”, the term it uses to describe streets which have been decluttered, like Elwick Road, Forge Lane, West Street and Bank Street in Ashford.

Living Streets wants to encourage more streets to get naked, but believes more research is needed, especially in how to make blind and visually impaired people feel safer in an area without guard rails and pedestrian crossings.

Tony Armstrong, chief executive of Living Streets, said: “Using a naked streets approach should always involve lots of local consultation to make sure that schemes suit the local area, and that vulnerable pedestrians can get around safely. But schemes like this have great potential to revolutionise our public space for pedestrians, creating a safe, attractive and enjoyable environment for everyone.”