One year on since cliff collapse in Swanscombe
On the 10th of April 2023, there was a landslide in Galley Hill Road
Last updated 10th Apr 2024
Swanscombe residents are angry over the lack of repairs to a cliff which collapsed a year ago.
On the 10th of April 2023, there was a landslide in Galley Hill Road in Swanscombe and the road has not re opened.
It has caused major disruption to the lives of the people in the North Kent Village, with a lack of working being done to fix the issue.
Graham Taylor, of the Swanscombe & Greenhithe Residents Association, said: "The issue is, because of land ownership there has to be licenced agreement from the landowners either side before Kent County Council can do any work.
"Currently, one or more landowners are not signing the agreement. KCC and the landowners need to come to an immediate agreement about who can have access to the chalk face."
Residents claim that a burst water main is to blame and on Saturday they took to the street to protest their situation.
Amongst them was Councillor Peter Hardman who said: "I think that Kent County Council have done the best they can, and the next way forward could be going through the courts in order to get access.
"However, that is something that I wouldn't be partial too".
A Kent County Council (KCC) spokesperson said: "KCC has been engaged in discussions with geotechnical engineers to determine what further investigations are required into the stability of the supporting cliff and temporary stabilisation works.
‘We have now instructed a firm of specialist geotechnical engineers and structural contractors to carry out the first phase of necessary investigations and stabilisation works.
‘Alongside the technical challenges posed by the collapse, the complexity of the site (including legal ownership and utility services) continues to require careful consideration. We know it has been a difficult year for residents and we want to assure them that we are seeking to finalise access arrangements for contractors to get on site as soon as possible.”