Council applies for £63m government fund after landslip

Kent County Council has applied for a £63m government fund for two high priority road schemes.

The funds would go towards road repairs in Galley Hill Road, Swanscombe, following a landslip in 2023 and the A299 between Whitstable and Ramsgate, a strategically important route serving east Kent.

The council said that national funding would be essential to deliver a permanent solution to help to reconnect local communities that used the roads.

Peter Osborne, cabinet member for highways and transport, said that the funding would prevent future closures and give local communities "the confidence that these routes are safe and reliable".

Osborne added: "We know how important these roads are to the people who use them every day – whether that's getting to work, running a business or staying connected with family and friends."

Since the landslip in April 2023, the communities and businesses of Swanscombe, Greenhithe and Ebbsfleet have seen increased traffic and a reduction in bus routes, the council said.

If the funding is successful, it would help remove the current 50mph speed restriction and prevent potential closures of the A299 and routes crossing the A299 due to deteriorating tunnels, bridges and embankments, it added.

Both schemes will be assessed as part of the government's Structures Fund process, with final business case details submitted later this year.

Osborne said the council had "made a strong case" for the funding, adding: "I hope the government sees just how important this is for communities in Kent."

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