A COUNCILLOR says he fears “major disruption” when a busy road in the centre of Chatham is closed this coming weekend.

The Brook will be shut for about 30 hours while a disused footbridge is demolished. Councillors were only informed by Medway Renaissance’s outgoing Chatham manager Mark Bradbury last Friday afternoon.

Local bus operators have objected. Businesses are being told this week, and the Press will be formally informed during the week what Mr Bradbury hopes will “ensure good coverage in the run up”.

Cllr Bill Esterson, Labour councillor for the River ward, which is directly affected by the closure, said: “This is yet another appalling lack of judgement by the administration. There has been no consultation with residents or businesses, and they are now giving less than a week’s notice of major disruption to the community.”

Nu-Venture bus company boss Norman Kemp said he had objected in writing to the closure, adding: “The corresponding day last year was one of the busiest in the calendar. It seems an amazing idea to do this on a Saturday.”

Signs will send drivers from Luton Arches to Star Hill, along St Margaret’s Bank and Chatham High Street to Globe Lane, then along Dock Road, Gillingham town centre, Duncan Road, Nelson Road and Canterbury Street to Chatham Hill.

Mark Forshaw, of Forshaw Motors, said: “They have made things very difficult for three years. It’s typical – no consultation with anyone, no discussions. Why pull it down?”

The footbridge is below the road link to The Brook car park.

In a note to councillors, Mr Bradbury said: “This pedestrian bridge has been closed for many years. It is not planned to reopen it. It is an eyesore and would otherwise be likely to require significant maintenance expenditure in due course. The contractor will be delivering letters to residents and businesses in the next days.”

* The closure of The Brook coincides with a major tourist drive by the council to visit Medway’s historical sites that weekend. The Brook will close from 6am on Saturday to early afternoon on Sunday, but the council says this is dependent upon the weather. All car parks will remain open.