1 week Ago By [email protected] (Joe Harbert)
Frustrated neighbours say gas works outside their homes have made the area “messy, dangerous and noisy” as a five-week road closure begins. Bin collections have also been delayed and driveways blocked due to the network upgrades in Silver Hill Road, Willesborough Lees, Ashford. Having started on Tuesday, the works are expected to run until late May, and are the next phase of SGN and UK Power Network's combined six-month project in nearby Kennington Road .
As a result, both Silver Hill Road and Lees Road are shut, with only residents able to access their homes, and a lengthy diversion and traffic lights in place. However, homeowners insist the scheme has been nothing short of a "nightmare" since works began. One resident in neighbouring Silver Hill Gardens told KentOnline they have been "boxed in" and forced to drive on the pavement due to the narrowness of the route and the fact contractors’ materials line the road.
Another resident, Leela Romaji, 59, who has lived in Silver Hill Road since 2008, raised concerns over the amount of works vehicles. “It’s very dangerous driving here now,” she said. “People have to be really careful if cars are coming towards each other and that doesn’t include worries about emergency vehicles.
“It’s also really noisy and I have a three-month-old baby who is trying to sleep but can’t. “The bins have been a problem too as they were meant to come on Wednesday, so I hope this doesn’t keep happening.” Maggie Moore, 76, who lives in nearby Thornton Close, branded the closure "disgraceful".
The mother-of-four explained: “I get the bus from Silver Hill Road, but I’m not able to now so have to walk. “If it’s raining how many other elderly people are in a position like me because there’s no other bus stop nearby? “I think the state of the road is disgraceful too with how messy it is and it goes all the way along. “The whole thing has just been diabolical and it’s terrifying at my age having to go this way and that way and thinking will I ever get home?" There are also concerns as Silver Hill Road, which is usually one-way, has been made two-way during the works, meaning some vehicles could meet head on along the narrow lane.
A lengthy diversion has been put in place along the A2070 and through Junction 10 of the M20. Crystal Clear Home Cleaning boss, Sue Calland, has several clients across Willesborough Lees, but says she may have to stop coming to the area due to the difficulties in accessing it. The 44-year-old South Ashford resident said the closure has been a “nightmare”.
“I could barely get through this road, plus it means I’m having to allow another extra 20 minutes to get to my next job so it just sets me back for the rest of the day,” she said. “I really don’t think it should take five weeks for a road like this to be sorted, so I think it should be prioritised in terms of getting it back open. “It’s costing more fuel too, so we’re just not going to want to come to jobs this way if it stays like this.
” In February, Howard Lapish, who runs The Hooden Bar and Grill in the heart of the roadworks, branded the six-month programme of works across the area an “absolute joke” . Having run the pub since October 1999, he admitted there is a possibility the Silver Hill Road site will not still be trading at the end of it. Meanwhile, resident Mark Chamberlain, 62, says he has never experienced so many roadworks during his 19 years of living along the stretch.
“For me the biggest problem isn’t what started last week, but the fact it’s been 18 months of non-stop closures for things like gas and water," the retired insurance broker said. “It’s a hotspot for closures and there’s actually a slow water leak which has been ongoing for a few weeks too. “So now would be a good time for the water company to do it in conjunction with the gas works, but it will probably lead to the road being closed again soon.
“People also rely on buses here, including my wife who has arthritis, but all these closures mean it’s just even more awkward to get to places we use like Cineworld and The Range.” In a statement, SGN said its works are “progressing ahead of schedule”. "We were able to reopen A2070 Kennington Road following the completion of our first phase, and began our second phase of work – originally planned to start in June – last Tuesday (April 22),” he said.
"Despite our faster than expected progress, we appreciate roadworks can be frustrating for motorists and residents. "However, the essential network upgrades we’re carrying out here will ensure nearby properties receive a safe and reliable gas supply. "The site is constantly reviewed to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
We’ve addressed any issues regarding equipment being moved around our site which may have temporarily blocked access to some homes. "Refuse collections are being made around our site, and access for emergency vehicles is maintained. "Our team are on-hand to support these vehicles with access while we carry out our work.
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