FI16392

Request

  1. I want to know who is responsible for closing it (February 2025), why it is taking so long to repair it, what work has been done already, and when it will be completed.
  2. I also want to know what political party is responsible for this aspect of the council's work and the relevant representative.

Response

  1. The bridge in question was closed earlier in the year following a survey conducted by a structural engineer as it was no longer safe to use.  Since the closure of the bridge the Council has consulted with the Public Rights of Way Team at Kent County Council to agree a suitable replacement, which has then required further time and design by a structural engineer. Upon an agreeable design the Council then engaged with local contractors seeking budget costs for its replacement. Due to the unforeseen costs the Council did not have approved expenditure for these works and required Council member approval to allocate funds for the works.  The site is also a Scheduled Ancient Monument and so English Heritage had to be consulted for consent and watching brief for the demolition of the existing bridge and all excavation works. Furthermore, there is a Southern Water main that runs directly beneath the bridge that required further consultation and attention for the proposed method of works. The elements mentioned above has taken considerable officer time along with arranging a contract for tendering given the site and access is challenging to work within. However, the Council is seeking to tender the works in the coming weeks.
  2. Labour are the political party who make up the Council’s Cabinet and the Portfolio Holder for this area is Councillor Lynne Wright.