Kentish Express Ashford & District
Potholes repaired just last year opening up and posing danger Flood damage to roads will cost millions to put right
The cost of repairing Kent’s flooddamaged roads will run into millions of pounds, according to the politician in charge of the county’s road network.
Cllr David Brazier (Con), Kent County Council cabinet member for highways, said the government’s announcement of a £6.7 million grant to councils to help with a flooding clear-up was significantly below what was needed.
The flooding has caused extensive damage to many roads, with potholes that were repaired only last year reappearing.
Inadequate
He said: “That is not going to touch the cost of the repairs that are needed.
“It is a token gesture. We are on a hiding to nothing.”
The proportion KCC would secure from the money being offered would be inadequate, he added.
KCC is assessing how much additional work will be needed following the floods, but Mr Brazier said it would run into millions of pounds.
On top of that, a cold winter spell risked more damage and could add even more to the repair bill facing Kent, he said, adding that repairs are being done on a find-and-fix basis and, despite the weather, any reports of damage were being dealt with within 14 days.
The Local Government Association has forecast an extra £400 million will be needed to fix all roads and wants an emergency fund to be set up.
Announcing the £7.5 million fund, the flood recovery minister Brandon Lewis said the government was fully focused on helping those affected get back on their feet.
But he warned councils: “It is the responsibility of authorities to manage their highway assets and to ensure that they have appropriate contingencies in place to deal with any severe weather that may occur from time to time.
“We are now looking at other ways to provide further support to affected areas, and expect to announce this shortly.”
What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford TN24 8JR, or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk