A rat-run used by thousands of motorists every day is set to finally reopen following a three-month closure.
There was uproar when the only road through Fordwich, near Canterbury, was shut in April for restoration works on the mayor’s historic £1 million house.
It cut Britain’s smallest town in half, angering local residents who have faced lengthy detours to get to work or other destinations, as well as motorists who unable to use the cross-city route.
But the Mayor of Fordwich, Barney Riggs, has announced the work is now complete, with the road expected to reopen as early as Tuesday.
“We are pleased that we have been able to complete the essential restoration works on this important part of Fordwich’s cultural heritage on schedule,” he told KentOnline.
“We fully acknowledge that the closure has caused significant disruption for residents and businesses in the area, and we are looking forward to the road being fully reopened as soon as possible.
“We want to extend our sincere thanks to everyone for their patience and understanding, and to all the teams who worked hard to complete this project as quickly as possible.”
There was a backlash in April when Mr Riggs revealed that exterior restoration work to his 16th-century home – the Manor House – would require completely shutting the road outside.
The closure on April 7 was authorised by Kent County Council (KCC) as scaffolding was required at a pinch-point in the town centre, at the junction of High Street and King Street.
But it came at a time of multiple roadworks across the city, adding to the gridlock and frustration.
Cllr Riggs explained the work was essential because the old lime and wattle plaster frontage panels on the property were crumbling and falling down onto the pavement and street below, creating a “significant public safety issue”.
KCC claimed a one-way traffic light system, which many residents had suggested, was not workable
Initially, a six-month closure was proposed, which sparked anger among residents.
Retired teachers Gerry and Chris Frisby, who live on the High Street side of the planned closure, say they were “gobsmacked” when they learned about it.
“Six months! We couldn’t believe it,” said Mr Frisby.
“To be honest, we both saw red because it’s going to cause us a real headache trying to get around. I know a lot of neighbours are absolutely fed up about it too.”
Those living on the same side of town as the Frisbys have not been able to drive to Sturry or the many supermarkets off Sturry Road without taking a lengthy diversion through Canterbury city centre.
The timeline for the works was later cut to about three months, following discussions with the contractors.
Mr Riggs apologised for the inconvenience but said he had a duty to maintain the fabric of his historic home, which he bought seven years ago.
