Mace Lane underpass in Ashford filled in six years after it closed
10:39, 08 August 2019
updated: 12:20, 08 August 2019
An underpass which has lain unused for six years has been sealed off.
The Mace Lane underpass in Ashford was closed in February 2013 following continuous flooding of the tunnel.
Kent County Council began the legal proceedings to fill in the underground crossing two years ago, however the work was only completed yesterday.
Over the next year, councillors and staff from the nearby Ashford School rebelled at the complete closure of the route.
Speaking in 2014, Cllr Jim Wedgbury said: “When we want to encourage people to leave the car at home and to cycle for a multitude of reasons this shortsighted decision, to keep the subway closed, goes against KCC’s own agenda.”
Also that year, Ashford School's director of operations at the time, Neil Cufley, said: “We welcome any movement towards the subway being reopened as it is by far the easiest, shortest and safest way to cross what is a busy road.”
Despite these petitions, the crossing has remained closed ever since.
Work crews from KCC Highways moved in yesterday, quickly sealing off the entrances to the underpass.
