Councillor Warns: “Clock Already Ticking on Latest Road Closure”
Councillor Rory Love has warned that the clock is already ticking for the 21 days given to complete the roadworks which have resulted in a further closure to a major road in his ward.
A section of Sandgate Road remained closed for most of last year during a dispute between Kent Highways and Southern Water following a collapsed sewer. The road was finally reopened following a high-profile campaign by the two ward councillors, Cllrs Rory Love and George Bunting. But now, Southern Water’s contractors have returned to carry out further repairs to the sewer, and the road has been closed again.
However, this time Cllr Love has received strict deadlines for the completion of the works. He has also called on Shepway’s council officers to remind Kent Highways and Southern Water that any over-run will not be tolerated by local residents and businesses.
Cllr Love said:
“I have been told that the work is expected to be completed within a fortnight. The road closure order has been set for 21 days as a contingency. I am satisfied that the criteria that Cllr Bunting and I set down have been met for this temporary road closure. But I must warn the agencies involved that the clock is already ticking and I am counting the days that the road is closed. They would be well advised not to over-run.”
In January 2009, Cllrs Rory Love and George Bunting said they would oppose any further road closures unless they are given completion dates for the road closure, and unless they are satisfied that the works minimise inconvenience to the community and local businesses.
On this occasion, the ward councillors have received the expected completion time (14 days), and have been advised of a contingency period (an additional 7 days). The closed section of the road has also been reduced to minimise inconvenience.
The closure therefore meets the councillors’ criteria at this stage.
9th June 2009
“ The clock is already ticking and I am counting the days that the road is closed. They would be well advised not to over-run. ”