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Petition demands Medway Council urgently repairs 'dangerous pothole' in Berengrave Lane, Rainham

By: Juliana Cruz Lima jcruzlima@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 14:43, 28 November 2022

Updated: 14:43, 28 November 2022

A petition has been launched calling for the urgent repair of a "dangerous pothole".

Campaigners say the depression in Berengrave Lane, Rainham, appeared shortly after the construction of the Queen Court development nearby.

Medway Council is being urged to repair the pothole. Picture: Medway Liberal Democrats

They are now urging Medway Council to immediately repair the area and seek recompense from the developer for the expense of the works.

In a statement, petition organisers Medway Liberal Democrats said the pothole was not only a danger to drivers, but could cause disruption to residents as it is above the main sewer line which runs along the centre of the road.

It reads: "If this is not repaired soon, then there is a risk that the sewer below could be damaged, causing a huge amount of disruption to Rainham residents."

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They say the problem was not there before the new houses were connected to the main sewer line.

The pothole is located in Berengrave Lane, Rainham. Picture: Medway Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrats spokesman Stuart Bourne said the dip is on the junction with Queencourt Close, and has been there for at least 12 months.

The route would have seen an increase in traffic with drivers attempting to avoid roadworks on the M2.

Stuart expressed his frustration after seeing the pothole untouched despite "months of reports and complaints by residents."

He said: "It is outrageous that Medway Council hasn’t done anything about this danger to motorists and our sewer system in Rainham. I urge everyone to sign our petition."

The petition has 83 signatures so far. You can sign it here.

Residents say they have been reporting complaints for months. Picture: Medway Liberal Democrats

Rainham North Cllr Martin Potter (Con) said he had personally reported the dip earlier this year, and the matter is still being investigated by the Medway Council's highways team.

He said: "Highways have stated it's a failed utility reinstatement, which makes it one of a few failed utility reinstatements I have dealt with in recent months.

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"It's still being investigated by the highways team at the council, but if they are liable then it should be for the utility company to sort of their defect regardless of who the work was requested by. This was the case with the issues elsewhere.

"Annoyingly, it will probably lead to a road closure, but in an ideal world it would have been sorted when the works on that stretch of road to extend the 20mph and paint new roundels were recently done, or even combined with the works we had done to realign the adjacent path to stop puddling where it meets the nature reserve."

Cllr Martin Potter. Picture: Medway Council

Cllr Potter added: "However, there maybe the possibility of the work being done after the M2 slip roads reopen to avoid adding to the congestion we are getting from that.

"I have dealt with a good few developer issues over the years, and although petitions have a time and a place, it's about raising specific issues, with evidence, which can then be investigated by the appropriate body. For me, this has even included building control and the Health and Safety Executive."

Medway Council has been approached for comment.

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