Mixed fortunes as Katie disrupts holiday weekend

Gary Jefferies

The weather over the Easter break blew hot and cold as sunshine turned into Storm Katie and brought major roads, rail services and sporting events to a halt on Monday when 105mph winds battered Kent.

Those coming into Tunbridge Wells along Pem-bury Road found it blocked in both directions by two fallen trees. They were cleared by midday.

Mother of two Becky Appleton sat for half an hour before making a detour, only to find her path was blocked again along Calverley Park Gardens.

Rail passengers faced severe delays and travellers heading to Gatwick found ‘dozens’ of flights cancelled.
The Dartford Crossing was closed and ferries to and from Dover ran into trouble.

Tonbridge Athletic Club was forced to cancel its open meet after inspectors decided the wind was too strong.

Those out and about on Good Friday fared better with hundreds enjoying the sunshine at Bewl Water Country Park when it reopened in time for the Easter break.

Andrew Daniells, Chief Operating Officer at Markerstudy Leisure, said: “It was clear that our new policy on parking, reducing it from £8 to £2 played an important part in persuading people to come and spend time at the country park.”

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