Sandgate Road Repairs to start, and last up to three months

5.29.12pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 15th Sep 2008

Shepway Councillor Tim Prater has been told that, following a site meeting this morning between Kent Highways and Southern Water amongst others, works will begin tomorrow in Trinity Gardens, related to the issues in Sandgate Road. These are expected to last into next week and then work is expected to commence soon after to repair the sewer in Sandgate Road.

Sandgate Road is currently closed between Earls Avenue and Castle Hill Avenue due to sewer subsidence.

An email to Tim Prater from a Kent Highway Services Officer says:

"Unfortunately, this will cause more disruption as not only repairs will be carried out to the section currently closed but, is also applicable to Sandgate Road between Trinity Gardens and Castle Hill Avenue.

"Please be assured that Southern Water's contractors are fully aware of the nuisance the works have and will cause and will be letter dropping to all residents in the immediate areas over the next few weeks."

Lib Dem Councillor Tim Prater was pleased to hear that works were now scheduled, but called for further tests on other sections of Sandgate Road. He said:

"I'm pleased we now should see progress, but it's taken far too long to see action to get Sandgate Road repairs under way.

"Southern Water must ensure this repair is done properly and as quickly as possible, and keep all local residents up to date on the status of the works.

"Crucially, many people also believe that there is sewer collapse in more areas of Sandgate Road than that currently closed off. Southern Water need to conduct tests on this as soon as possible, and either reassure Kent Highways or local residents or extend this repair programme urgently. Sandgate Road is a key route into Folkestone, and its simply not acceptable to see any delay in any required tests."