Over the years he has seen the great housing developments in the village and is particularly
proud of the way local tradesmen have risen to the occasion to meet the demands of the
expanding population.
"There is," said Mr Hawkins, "everything for the shopper. Really there is very little reason for
anyone needing to go out of the village for their shopping." With its shops, character and
friendly atmosphere, Bridge obviously provides a popular base for young families in search of
the country, but at the same time not wanting to be too far from the town. But what can these
newcomers, together with the well-established villager, expect of the future?
Like any community, Bridge has its problems to face. But it is lucky in having a great number
of people interested enough in its future to spend hours of their time striving to make the
village more accommodating to growing needs.
Traffic is an almost constant menace to the village High Street. Cars stream through, coming
or going to the continent, and Bridge is desperately trying to speed up plans for a by-pass to
weed out this traffic problem from its doorstep.
Recently the A2 group was formed to demand a by-pass. The campaign secretary, 23-year-old
Mr Brian Lewis, said the group was started when some members of the old Bridge youth Club
became appalled at the road conditions through Bridge.
About 20 young people arranged a protest march through the village and at the same time
they joined forces with another resident, Mr John Purchese, who was conducting his own
campaign with letters to the Ministry of Transport.
With the Youth Club members teaming up Wqith Mr Purchese, protest demonstrations were
arranged, aiming at a plan for an extension of the M2 from Brenley Corner to Dover. Because
of their near-militant protests and pestering of local authorities and the Ministry . . . .
..
(incomplete: Kentish Gazette, no date, Williamson 215)