A cliff collapse which destroyed part of a road and left thousands without broadband has been declared a "major incident".

The A226 Galey Hill Road in Swanscombe is set to be closed for a "considerable amount of time" after it collapsed last Monday.

Dartford council declared the situation last week as a major incident as multiple bodies, including Kent County Council and Thames Water, work to fix the problem.

More than 2,000 people were left without broadband after part of the pathway was destroyed as well as a demolition firm business in the quarry below being damaged.

Returning school traffic has also sparked concerns the area will become congested, with residents currently facing HGVs and lorries making their way through their residential streets as they avoid the main road.

Kent County Council has said its street works team is working with Thames Water to ensure correct permits and suitable diversion routes put in place to ensure "minimal impact to the local communities".

It said to ensure lorries aren't using local minor roads, a fully signed diversion is being put in place via London Road, Greenhithe, St Clements Way, A2 Coastbound, Southfleet Road, Ebbsfleet Gateway and Thames Way as agreed with National Highways.

Members of the public have also been banned from walking through the site for their own safety.

An update from KCC said: "One of our primary concerns is the traffic around the local area next week when the schools return.

"Actions from the tactical co-ordination group (TCG) meeting have agreed a better symbolised signed diversion route for the use of motor vehicles, especially HGVs which should then leave Swanscombe accessible by buses and local traffic to ensure that the community operates as it should.

"Variable messaging signs will be placed around the local area advising of the closure and updates can also be posted on these.

"Thames Water is responsible for the overall closure and diversion. However, KCC and Dartford council understands the impact that this could have on the community so will continue to work together to ensure the pinch points are kept clear and that Civil Enforcement Officers action any illegal parking to ensure the traffic flows and safety though Swanscombe."

KCC says it will be speaking to schools in the area before they return to help spread any relevant information to parents.

A Dartford council spokesman said: "Following a meeting of the Kent Resilience Forum Strategic Co-ordinating Group the cliff fall was declared a major incident on Tuesday, April 11.

"Thames Water remain the responsible agency and Kent County Council Highways are working in partnership with them to deal with this incident to make sure all current guidance is being followed when supporting those affected.

"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."