Water mains works in North Street, Faversham, are causing disruption

by Lauren Fruen

Drivers are facing further delays in Faversham as the busy A251 has been forced to close again to carry out more water works.

The A251 Ashford Road between Faversham and Challock faces the lengthy closure as South East Water continues their major £270,000 project to improve a section of water main in North Street.

It will upgrade a section of old pipeline after a number of recent bursts.

The road has been closed since 7.30am today and will remain shut until 5pm on Sunday, April 14.

Motorists will have to find alternative routes with only local residents and businesses able to access the road.

A 24-mile diversion is in place for motorists despite just one mile of the main road shut.

Drivers who use the Ashford Road to enter and leave the town will be diverted via Canterbury and Bridge using the A2, the A28 and the A252 – a massive 24-mile round trip – to avoid the closure.

The closure follows complaints from businesses along the Ashford Road that previous closures back in February affected their trade.

Andy and Janice Vant, who run Saddlesdane Equestrian Supplies in Badlesmere, said the firm had stagnated while work was carried out, estimating takings were two-thirds down on previous weeks.

Businesses including The Artistic Stamper, The Red Lion pub, Saddlesdane Equestrian Supplies and Deepdene Stables will remain open as usual.

Delivery manager for South East Water James Smith said: “If motorists are visiting businesses along the route, all they need to do is follow the diversion, or speak to our contractors at either end of the closure who will explain how you can get to where you need to go.”

In total, the company has installed about 1.6km of pipeline both 0n private land and within the A251 itself since construction began in January.

Mr Smith added: “I would once again like to apologise for the disruption this closure will cause but hope local residents and motorists understand that this short-term pain is worth the long-term benefits this scheme will deliver.”

The water company took the decision to install the new 1.8km length of pipeline after a burst during September last year which caused disruption to motorists for several days.

Construction began on January 14 on private land and the whole scheme is due to take 16 weeks to complete.