Residents' anger a year after cliff collapse

Part of Swanscombe Quarry collapsed on 10 April 2023

Residents and businesses in a north Kent village have said their lives are still being disrupted almost a year after a cliff collapsed amid claims a burst water main was to blame.

The landslide happened in Galley Hill Road in Swanscombe on 10 April last year and the road has not reopened.

Resident Judith Hughes said "no work has commenced" and "the diversions in place make travel around Swanscombe an absolute nightmare".

Kent County Council (KCC) said it was "working with the owners of the cliff to find a suitable solution to make it stable". Thames Water said KCC was responsible for maintaining highways.

Ms Hughes said: "Nearly 12 months on nothing has changed.

"Neither the council nor Thames Water will take responsibility for the works needed."

She added: "Locals have had a nightmare with HGV drivers driving through Swanscombe.

"Trucks keep getting stuck on the narrow roads and the buses keep getting delayed too."

'Further investigation'

A portion of the southern edge of the Swanscombe Quarry collapsed, according to KCC.

A KCC spokesperson said the collapse caused a landslide.

"It led to a lot of chalk and other materials falling to the quarry floor onto business premises below," they added.

"We carried out surveys and, from the information gathered, we will now plan further investigation of the road.

"But, before carrying out any works, we must make the cliff safe."

A Thames Water spokesperson said: “The cause of the incident is yet to be determined but representatives of Thames Water and the council are actively engaged in associated investigations."

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.