Kent County Council faced criticism for mistakenly repainting ‘School Keep Clear’ lines outside a closed primary school, leading to accusations of wasteful spending. The error occurred at the former site of Halfway Houses Primary School on the Isle of Sheppey, which shut down in 2016. Independent Swale Borough councillor Mike Whiting expressed disbelief at the council’s actions, highlighting the apparent lack of communication within the organization.

Council leader Linden Kemkaran acknowledged the need for tough financial decisions due to budget overspending. The incident occurred after Reform UK took control of KCC, pledging to cut down on unnecessary expenses. Responding to the backlash, Cllr Peter Osborne, KCC’s cabinet member for transport, admitted the mistake and emphasized the council’s commitment to responsible financial management.

Kent residents had previously taken matters into their own hands by painting yellow lines on the road to address safety concerns. Despite this, Kent County Council assured that it would rectify the error by correcting the painted markings. The council reiterated its dedication to ensuring road safety through regular inspections and maintenance efforts.