Villagers have been plunged into a telecoms blackout after accidental damage to cables “pulled down” during works at a controversial development.
The incident took place in Fenn Street on the Hoo Peninsula on Thursday (July 10), near the Fenn Bell Conservation Project and pub site.
In October last year, controversial plans were approved to build 44 homes on land off Ratcliffe Highway. It was previously owned by the zoo but is no longer connected to the project after being sold.
The application was brought forward by Esquire Developments Ltd and work has since begun at the site.
However, on Thursday (June 10), parish councillor Nick Craddy claims workers “ignored the height marker pedestals” and brought down the cables near Newlands Farm Road.
He explained: “They brought in some equipment on a high bed truck rather than a low loader, and as he drove into the sideway he ignored all the height poles that Esquire had put up to warn drivers of overhead cables.
“He drove straight through the lot and pulled down the telecoms wires – big fat ones – and they then whiplashed back and knocked out the power cables.
“The power was out for one section of residents until around 6pm that night.
“Telecoms have been out ever since. Repairs started today (July 15).”
Cllr Craddy, who is also chairman of St Mary Hoo Parish Council, said the incident has had “quite a big impact on people”.
He explained: “We’ve got a resident’s WhatsApp group and there’s one lady who lives nearby who only has cable television and she hasn’t had a call or a television set since it happened.
“There’s also been problems of dust coming from the site since work started.
UK Power Networks has confirmed that engineers turned off supplies to 31 customers in the area between 12.21pm and 12.45pm on Thursday (July 10) following a report of overhead line damage.
A spokesperson said: “Once on site, our team confirmed it was a telecommunications cable which was down, not electrical equipment, so they restored power supplies”.
In a letter, sent to residents and seen by KentOnline, Esquire Developments Ltd said: “We are writing to offer our sincere apologies following the recent incident involving accidental damage to cables during ongoing works at the new Esquire Homes Development.
“We fully understand the inconvenience and disruption this may have caused to you and your household/business, and we are extremely sorry for any impact this may have had on your day.
“Please be assured that we take this matter very seriously. Immediate steps were taken to resolve the issue and restore services as quickly and safely as possible.
“In addition, we are reviewing our procedures to ensure that similar incidents are avoided in the future.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding while we continue work on the development, and we remain committed to maintaining open communication with our neighbours throughout construction.”
Esquire Developments Ltd has been approached for further information.
