Businesses near Swanscombe cliff collapse told it's not safe to return to work
Businesses close to the Swanscombe cliff collapse are being told it's not safe to return to work yet.
It's been one week since the dramatic fall on the A226 Galley Hill Road, Swanscombe, Kent, which destroyed the warehouse of a demolition firm and wreaked havoc with the water and internet supply for hundreds of homes and businesses.
Thankfully, nobody was hurt given the road is a main artery connecting people between Gravesend and Greenhithe.
However, Thames Water is now urging people who work near to the landslip to not return to their work premises for their safety.
A spokesperson said: "Given the possibility of further potential ground movements, businesses operating within the immediate vicinity of the affected area are urged not to return to their premises until our engineers confirm it is safe to do so.
"For their own health and safety the public is also urged to stay away from the site. If applicable you should contact your landlord and insurers."
A geotechnical survey was completed at the weekend to determine the cause of the collapse which is still unknown.
The road remains closed until further notice.
Thames Water says 546 properties are being supplied water by tankers which will continue to supply affected customers until a long-term solution is put in place.
A spokesperson for Thames Water said: "We are responding to customer contacts regarding issues with their water supply and we're sorry for any disruption they are experiencing.
"Should any properties be experiencing issues with their water supply please could they contact Thames Water on 0800 316 9800 for this to be investigated. In respect to broadband services, providers have been made aware of this and are investigating."
They added: "We've been made aware of customers who need extra support and have had customer representatives contact them directly.
"We ask customers who may need extra support during supply interruptions and are not on our priority services register to contact us as they may benefit from being signed up to this service."
Dartford Borough Council explained: "Dartford Borough Council wants to reassure residents and local businesses that we are encouraging the lead agencies to provide information and support as quickly as possible and we will continue to monitor the situation.
"Our Civil Enforcement Officers are out today to ensure that traffic could flow safely via the diversion route as the school run resumed following the Easter Holidays."