Landslide-hit road closed until end of year - KCC

Kent County Council said "essential investigations" were needed at the site

Folkestone's Road of Remembrance is to remain closed until the end of the year following landslips, Kent County Council said.

In January, a landslip left trees blocking the road, with more occurring in February and March.

KCC, which had already closed until further notice to protect the safety of the public, said it had extended a temporary traffic order to 31 December to carry out ground investigations and remedial work.

Neil Baker, cabinet member for highways and transport, said while the closure would be "very disappointing news" for residents, the work was "essential".

Local business owners have complained of the impact on trade because of the road closure.

The county council said ongoing works would include surveys to assess the condition of the embankment and prevent future landslips.

It said: "We need to do more work and investigations to understand the makeup and geology of the embankment.

"We will do what is necessary as quickly as possible, however it is a complex matter, with a likely complex solution.

"Therefore, we have taken the difficult decision to extend the road closure period to the end of 2024.

"We will only re-open the road once it is safe to do so."

It advised event organisers which will be affected by the closure to get in touch with Folkestone and Hythe District Council.

“A complex situation like this one ultimately leads to a complex solution," added Mr Baker.