An investigation into a cliff collapse which has shut a road for more than a year has been delayed again after two live cables were found on-site

Kent County Council had been assured all electricity to the site on the A226 Galley Hill Road in Dartford had been turned off as they underwent intrusive investigation work on the cliff face.

But work has been halted yet again after contractors came across two live wires during the course of their work.

Further progress cannot be made until it can be confirmed the electricity supply is not still live.

Peter Harman, who is Kent County Councillor for Swanscombe and Greenhithe, said: “Specialist contractors were surveying the cliff face when they found two live cables (one low voltage and one high voltage), despite UK Power Networks (UKPN) previously informing KCC Highways in writing that there were no remaining live cables on site.

“This has caused further survey work to be halted until UKPN can confirm with confidence that there are no other live cables remaining.”

He added: “Contractors still need to remove hanging cables and other debris from the top of the cliff; including a cast iron water main (believed to be an old fire suppression main), electrical cabling, and internet cables.”

The specialist contractors, who have been working on the site since April, are preparing a detailed report for KCC’s highways team following surveys of the site, which is expected to be submitted in August.

A further report for government ministers is being prepared seeking financial help with the cost of repairs from central government.

The delays to the investigation will come as a huge blow to residents who are desperate to see works begin on fixing the major thoroughfare, which runs from Swanscombe High Street to Ebbsfleet Football Club’s Kuflink Stadium, in Northfleet.

The road collapsed in April 2023 and has been closed ever since.

Legal wrangling between the site owners has delayed investigation work which was only able to finally get started on part of the site this April - with further access to the full site only granted later.

A spokeswoman for UKPN said: “Our team disconnected two electricity cables in Galley Hill Road, Swanscombe, following a landslide last year.

“Safety is our top priority, and we continue to work closely with KCC’s contractors to ensure they are safe before proceeding with their work.”

KCC says it is working with UKPN to resolve the issue relating to the wires on-site.

“Once this is sorted, we will reschedule the contractor to continue works on the site,” a spokesperson confirmed.