'Trapped' residents face more roadworks delays

A section of Loose Road in Maidstone will be closed until 1 June

A group of residents affected by long running roadworks in Maidstone, Kent, say they feel trapped.

The A229 Loose Road has been shut in both directions at the junction with Boughton Lane since 18 April, while Scotia Gas Networks (SGN) repairs the major gas mains.

Affected residents described the delays as "unacceptable" and said they are worried for elderly and disabled people.

SGN said it has discovered further leaks and the road is likely to be closed until 1 June while it "urgently" replaces "extensive sections", so residents "receive a secure, safe and reliable gas supply for decades to come".

Resident Mike George said he feels trapped and described the disruption as 'totally unacceptable'

A group of residents told BBC South East Today that lorries and buses cannot get through and have been trapped down the country lanes.

One resident, Mike George said while he "appreciates" the need to do the work, he feels it has been poorly planned.

He said: "Whoever made the decision should have looked at a map and said 'this is not only major disruption, this is totally unacceptable'."

Maidstone Borough Councillor Brian Clark said: "The priority, immediately, is to keep people updated with the plan as to what's going on."

Mr Clark said he lives on one side of the closure, while his son's school is the other side and he has to allow at least an hour to get there

Cindy Jones, vice chair of Loose Bowls Club, said the closure is affecting her side's ability to complete their fixtures.

She said other teams are reluctant to take a 45 minute diversion "and instead see if we could come to them".

Ms Jones said it is affecting her team at the Loose Bowls Club

Resident David Hackett is concerned about the impact the roadworks are having on the elderly and disabled.

He said: "We haven't had much communication from those responsible for the roadworks.

"The bus service is currently on diversion which means the nearest stop can be an extra mile away for some people.

"That is a long way to walk if you have a hospital appointment and I'm worried if the gas mains aren't fixed soon it could have a detrimental affect on people's health."

David Hackett lives nearby and is concerned the elderly will not be able to get to appointments due to bus diversions

SGN said: "We've deployed additional teams working extended hours to expedite this work which is essential for safety."

Kent County Council said it has mitigated the problem of motorists ignoring the road closure signs.

It said: "Through local feedback from residents, we have arranged for improved signage and to introduce spotters who prevent HGVs from using the road while the works are ongoing."

The SGN roadworks have closed the A229 Loose Road between Maidstone Fire Station and Boughton Lane

Motorists are advised to avoid narrow country lanes and use a diversion via Loose Road, Linton Road, Heath Road, Plough Wents Road and Sutton Road to rejoin Loose Road.