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Sudden flooding in High Street, Aylesford with residents blaming road resurfacing by Kent County Council

Bouts of flash flooding are being blamed on a road’s resurfacing after cars were filmed driving through inches of water.

Part of the High Street in Aylesford was submerged under huge pools of stagnant water on Monday after a sudden and heavy thunderstorm.

Flooding in High Street Aylesford. Picture: Nick M Batchelor
Flooding in High Street Aylesford. Picture: Nick M Batchelor

A resident captured the flooding on video which showed cars driving through slowly with waves of water splashing against the buildings.

David Martin lives opposite the old George pub along the road and says he saw signs of the problem from when the road was first being resurfaced in June by Kent County Council.

The 75-year-old said: “During the work, when it was outside my house, you could see water beginning to puddle on the new road.

“It has never done it before and only really started when the new road was put down.”

He added: “It was only a short sharp downpour but a lot of water came down.

Water was being splashed up the buildings. Picture: Nick M Batchelor
Water was being splashed up the buildings. Picture: Nick M Batchelor

“It could’ve been a lot worse if the rain continued for longer. It started to rise up our drive.”

David believes the issue is a result of the laying of the new road and has issued a formal complaint with Kent Highways.

He has also been assured by KCC councillor Andrew Kennedy that the issue is being looked into.

The councillor for Tonbridge and Malling said: “I have expressed strong concerns over the quality of this work since day one.

“The contractors failed to respect an agreement I reached with Kent Highways over working times, resulting in working continuing until 2am when it should have stopped at 11pm.

Cllr Andrew Kennedy
Cllr Andrew Kennedy

“I further reported concerns about the road cambers after ponding was seen two days after completion. Now we have this serious flooding.

“I don’t accept this issue as an unfortunate outcome of resurfacing. I fear a lack of contractor supervision and quality sign-off has resulted in this fiasco, which will not only cost money to rectify but has caused emotional and financial stress for residents.”

A KCC spokesman said: “We are aware of this issue and have been to the site to meet with the resident concerned.

“Work to clean the existing drainage system has been arranged and ongoing investigations will be taking place with a view to resolve the issues.”

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