Collaborative working completed in Horsmonden

Residents in Horsmonden felt the benefits of two organisations working together to minimise impact by sharing a road closure on Lamberhurst Road.

In a project lasting five weeks, South East Water transferred customer services from an ageing pipe to an adjacent, newer pipe while Kent County Council conducted highway drainage improvements.

For South East Water, the work formed part of an ongoing £489 million programme of investment to improve the water supply network.

Jeremy Dufour, Project Manager for South East Water, said: “We were pleased to be able to share a road closure in a collaborative project with Kent County Council.

“It’s not always possible to join up with other utility companies or organisations due to the nature of works being carried out or the location, but when it is possible, we are always keen to minimise the impact on the community.

“By sharing this road closure, we were able to prevent prolonged disruption.”

South East Water undertook its project as a result of the existing main suffering 10 bursts in the last five years. The company moved customer services from this old main to a newer, adjacent main.

Jeremy continued: “By transferring services to this newer, wider pipe, it will reduce the likelihood of supply interruptions in the future. We know road closures can be frustrating so they are a last resort.

“We would like to thank the community for their patience while we undertook this vital work.”