A third attempt in January by South East Water to upgrade an old, unreliable water main buried under the A249 has been given full support by Kent Highways and Stockbury Parish Council.

South East Water’s pipeline has burst five times over the past few years causing flood damage to the carriageway and leaving 83 homes and businesses in Stockbury and along the busy A249 without water.

Last year the water company tried to replace the water main twice, once in January then again in September, however unrelated traffic problems in the area put extra pressure on the major road which meant work had to be stopped.

Dave Tomsett, Chairman of Stockbury Parish Council, said:

“We are keen to ensure this water main is replaced as soon as possible to stop residents of our village going without water when the pipeline bursts. When bursts occur there is then further disruption to motorists on the A249 while repairs are carried out, something we are keen to avoid.”

Chris Love, Delivery Manager at South East Water, said:

“We have an obligation to ensure our water supply is reliable and replace pipelines which are failing which is why this work is so important for the residents and businesses affected by previous bursts.

“This project will re-start mid-January with work under the A249 between Hayes Lane and the Steps Hill Road junction taking a total of five weeks to complete.

“The A249 is an extremely busy road and as a result the safety of motorists and our contractor is our top priority while this upgrade is taking place.”

Following previous attempts to install the pipeline, South East Water has reexamined its plans to further reduce disruption to motorists and made changes which will ensure that both lanes on the northbound carriageway can be used during the evening rush hour.

Construction will begin on 12 January and last for five weeks.