Residents fear fatality on rat run after landslip

Galley Hill Road has been shut since a landslip in 2023

Residents whose road has been turned into a "dangerous" rat run after a major landslip more than two years ago say they fear someone will be killed.

People living in Stanhope Road, in Swanscombe, Kent, claim life has become intolerable since Galley Hill Road was shut after the collapse in April 2023.

Kent County Council (KCC) is considering either repairing and supporting the landslip area or building a bridge over it, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

People living nearby fear no solution may be forthcoming for years and will require government funding in order to happen.

Resident Ian Burton, 67, said the problem was worse in the morning and evening rush hours and school run times.

Mr Burton said: "People are mounting the kerb onto pavements that children, mums, old people and the disabled are using every day. It's dangerous.

"Then there is the abuse and the shouting and swearing, honking horns and people speeding. I just don't want to have to wait for something tragic to happen here."

Thomas Mallon, who represents Swanscombe at Kent County Council, said: "My fear is death or injury and I think that could actually happen here.

"We have to raise awareness in the area and to make people drive with due care and attention."

Local people fear it will be years before a solution is found

KCC said the project currently has no funding but it is preparing a business case to secure funding and is exploring all options to reopen the road.

It said: "The ongoing closure is having a significant impact on local residents and businesses, and we are sorry that road users' journeys continue to be adversely affected.

"We have implemented a signed diversion route and routinely review how this is performing.

"Stanhope Road is not the official diversion route, but many road users are continuing to use it.

"We have considered different ways to try to ease the prevailing situation, but this road remains part of a key bus route, and the road layout makes the implementation of a one-way system unworkable especially for buses and delivery vehicles."