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‘We’re the ones losing out’: Traders demand compensation as water leak shuts road for third time

Additional reporting by Finn Macdiarmid

Frustrated traders suffering a significant drop in trade following the repeat closure of a “sunken road” for ongoing repairs are demanding compensation.

Part of Milton Road — the main route in and out of Gravesend — was cordoned off again last Tuesday (June 24) to allow Southern Water to investigate the damaged carriageway.

It is expected to be shut for seven days
It is expected to be shut for seven days

It is the third time that section of the street, near its junction with Cumberland Avenue, has been closed for repair works.

On May 6, it was sealed off for two days after a sinkhole, which was caused by a burst water main, appeared.

Southern Water engineers completed repairs and the road was reopened, however, it was quickly shut again following an inspection on May 9 which found that the pipe was still leaking.

It was fixed and the carriageway was reinstated on May 14, but business owners feared it was only a matter of time before it happened a third time.

Milton Road is now expected to be shut again until Tuesday (July 1) much to the frustration of those working nearby who have seen their customer numbers drop overnight.

It was first closed on May 6 due to a sinkhole. Picture: Jason Arthur
It was first closed on May 6 due to a sinkhole. Picture: Jason Arthur

Kailea Hamilton, who runs Kay’s Sandwich Bar, said she first knew of the closure when she arrived at work last week and claims she was not given any prior warning.

She added: “I just knew from then I was going to have a really bad week again. It is very frustrating.

“The first time it was closed, it could not be helped but the second time it could have been if it was fixed properly in the first place.

“Now this is the third time and it is for investigations so I think it is going to lead to a fourth, because whatever they find, they are going to need to fix again.

“As a business owner, I have still got to pay my bills, I have still got to live and being a small business, I cannot just shrug it off. It is a big loss, so seven days is quite a pinch.”

Kailea Hamilton said she only knew the road was closed when she tried to get to work
Kailea Hamilton said she only knew the road was closed when she tried to get to work

Kailea, who has owned the café in Milton Road for just under a year, said her customer footfall has more than halved since the closure, while she is losing money on stock.

She “strongly” feels that Southern Water should provide small businesses owners like her with some sort of compensation, adding: “We are the ones losing out.”

Mohammed Khan, who owns the butchers next door, Khan Halal Meat, agrees.

He said he has lost around £2,000 worth of meat as he was forced to throw it away due to a lack of trade.

Mohammed added: “My business has been affected, no one has come to us. I need compensation from Southern Water because this is the third time.”

Meanwhile, Robert Smith, owner of mobile phone repair shop, Repair Works, said he, like many other businesses, are frustrated as they claim the job was not done correctly in May.

He also complained over a lack of notice given for the investigation works.

Owner of Khan Halal Meat, Mohammed Khan, is demanding compensation
Owner of Khan Halal Meat, Mohammed Khan, is demanding compensation
Engineers are digging up part of the road
Engineers are digging up part of the road

He added: “In May, the sinkhole appeared, which we fully appreciate is unexpected. At the end of the day, the roadworks have to happen.

“Our national infrastructure is not managed by magic. These things are unfortunate and they are inconvenient, but they have to happen and I appreciate that.

“But, extra road signage being put up to let drivers know that the shops are still open and a bit of notice would be nice to be able to help inform customers.

“I think this whole issue is systemic of the lack of maintenance within our road networks. If our roads were maintained better these issues would potentially be avoidable.”

Robert, who has had the shop in Milton Road for three years after moving from Perry Street, in Northfleet, said his delivery drivers are not arriving and his footfall has dropped by 35%.

Robert Smith understands roadworks need to happen but thinks there could be more notice
Robert Smith understands roadworks need to happen but thinks there could be more notice
It is now closed for the third time. Picture: Robert Smith
It is now closed for the third time. Picture: Robert Smith

“People are not wanting to come into town as much because the traffic is just diabolical,” he added. “It is impacting us from every which way. It is causing absolute nightmares.”

Claire Love, who owns Versatile Fixings, in Milton Road Business Park, also called for signage to be put in place to let customers know firms are open as usual.

She added: “It has just been a nightmare. My customers are not coming as they do not think they can get here.

“It has affected business, I have noticed a drop. Something needs to be done to help.

“They want local business to open but if this keeps happening then the business are going to close. It is a risk to a lot of places.

Owner of Versatile Fixings, Claire Love, thinks more needs to be done to support small businesses
Owner of Versatile Fixings, Claire Love, thinks more needs to be done to support small businesses
Where the closure is alon Milton Road
Where the closure is alon Milton Road

“How many times is this going to happen and could it cause more problems or shut the business park?”

Southern Water told KentOnline its teams have completed reinstatement work due to a “sunken road”.

A spokesperson added: “After investigation our engineering teams also uncovered a leak.

“Both jobs were completed on Wednesday this week (June 25). The last part of the reinstatement will be completed on Monday next week (June 30), to cure the concrete.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience caused and disruption to residents and commuters.”

Kent County Council have been contacted for comment.

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