Landslip repair funding decision is 'imminent'

A funding decision to rebuild a road devastated by a huge landslip more than three years ago is "imminent", according to official papers.

The A226 Galley Hill Road in Swanscombe has been shut since 2023 when a chalk cliff collapsed on to neighbouring industrial estate following a burst water main.

Since then, efforts have been made to find a solution, the cost of which Kent County Council (KCC) previously estimated as being in excess of £40m.

However, following a meeting of the growth, environment and transport cabinet committee on Tuesday, Labour MP Jim Dickson said the council seemed to be "anticipating good news" regarding the outcome.

Earlier this year, KCC applied for £40.8m in funding through the Department for Transport's Structures Fund, which will be match-funded with £3m by the council itself and £1.5m from the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the papers presented at the committee meeting stated that "an announcement on this is expected imminently".

"We were told a decision would come in the autumn," said Dickson, one of several cross-party voices calling for progress.

"And I am pleased that KCC is getting into a position that, if we get good news, it can crack on and deal with getting a contractor and sort out land acquisition."

He added that he had been "speaking to anyone who'll listen" about the importance of securing the funding for the Galley Hill Road reopening, the A226 having been an important route linking Dartford, Gravesham and Ebbsfleet.

Its closure has also left many residents and businesses frustrated.

Two possible options to reinstate that section of the A226 have been suggested – reconstruction of the road at ground level or building a bridge across the affected area.

The latter is deemed quicker and cheaper, but it is believed the work would probably take three years to complete.

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