50 signatures reached
To: Kent County Council
Fix the Flooding at Home Gardens Underpass!
Kent County Council must urgently inspect the drainage system at the Home Gardens underpass and carry out the necessary repairs and improvements to prevent repeated flooding. This should include a clear action plan and timeline, so the tunnel remains safe and accessible all year round.
Why is this important?
We, the undersigned, are calling on Kent County Council to urgently investigate the ongoing flooding at the Home Gardens underpass and deliver a proper long-term solution!
This tunnel has suffered from flooding problems for years. Time and time again it becomes unsafe or impossible to use, leaving residents unable to cross safely to reach the bus stop. This particularly impacts elderly residents, people with disabilities, parents with prams, and anyone with mobility issues.
In November last year, one of my elderly residents fell while trying to walk through the underpass, seriously damaging his leg. This had to be treated at hospital and it took 4 months to get better. Despite the seriousness of this incident, it is disgraceful that they have still not even received a reply.
In January, Kent County Council told us:
"...Waiting for river levels to drop before we can safely access the drainage system and schedule the necessary repairs.
For public safety, the underpass will remain closed until conditions improve and we can arrange the follow-up works.”
Now, three months later, no action has been taken. The tunnel remains flooded, with stagnant water creating a serious risk that someone else could slip, fall, and be seriously injured. This is unacceptable. Our community deserves better than delay after delay.
We call on Kent County Council to:
- Carry out an urgent investigation into the cause of the flooding
- Take immediate steps to make the underpass safe
- Deliver a long-term solution so this problem does not continue year after year
Kent County Council must stop delaying and act now!
Written by Cllr Laura Edie (Green Party)
This tunnel has suffered from flooding problems for years. Time and time again it becomes unsafe or impossible to use, leaving residents unable to cross safely to reach the bus stop. This particularly impacts elderly residents, people with disabilities, parents with prams, and anyone with mobility issues.
In November last year, one of my elderly residents fell while trying to walk through the underpass, seriously damaging his leg. This had to be treated at hospital and it took 4 months to get better. Despite the seriousness of this incident, it is disgraceful that they have still not even received a reply.
In January, Kent County Council told us:
"...Waiting for river levels to drop before we can safely access the drainage system and schedule the necessary repairs.
For public safety, the underpass will remain closed until conditions improve and we can arrange the follow-up works.”
Now, three months later, no action has been taken. The tunnel remains flooded, with stagnant water creating a serious risk that someone else could slip, fall, and be seriously injured. This is unacceptable. Our community deserves better than delay after delay.
We call on Kent County Council to:
- Carry out an urgent investigation into the cause of the flooding
- Take immediate steps to make the underpass safe
- Deliver a long-term solution so this problem does not continue year after year
Kent County Council must stop delaying and act now!
Written by Cllr Laura Edie (Green Party)
