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Anger as 'very dangerous' two-month water leak in Stelling Minnis causes damage to main road

13:21, 13 March 2023

updated: 13:22, 13 March 2023

A resident says a water leak that has been flowing for two months is making road conditions "very dangerous".

The leak on Dean Hill in Stelling Minnis, between Canterbury and Folkestone, has reportedly gone unfixed since January, and is said to be eroding the road and creating potholes.

Phillip Joiner, who lives two miles away, is urging water companies to fix the issue.

"This has been going on for around two months now," he said.

"There is a water mains below and it is just keeps coming out the ground.

"When we had the really cold weather a few weeks ago the whole hill and along the road was treacherous.

"It was absolutely terrible, it was like an ice rink!"

In cold weather the water is said to have turned the road into an 'ice rink'. Picture: Phillip Joiner
In cold weather the water is said to have turned the road into an 'ice rink'. Picture: Phillip Joiner

The owner of P J Sweeps chimney sweeping service believes between two and three thousand litres of water are bursting out of the pipe every hour.

He added: "It’s been flowing for so long now, something has to be done about it.

"It has started to erode the side of the road and potholes and coming through."

Mr Joiner is also concerned about how long it is going to take to repair the damaged roads.

Repairs are due to get under way soon. Picture: Phillip Joiner
Repairs are due to get under way soon. Picture: Phillip Joiner

When asked about the leak, South East Water's head of leakage operations, Jim MacIntyre, apologised for the delay.

"We’re really sorry to those affected by the leak on Dean Hill, Stelling Minnis," he said.

"We know it’s frustrating for customers when they see leaks."

A team is expected to be sent to the site today to start repairs.

Mr Joiner is concerned about the condition of the road. Picture: Phillip Joiner
Mr Joiner is concerned about the condition of the road. Picture: Phillip Joiner

"Our technicians have been out to assess the leak, and have scheduled this in to be repaired on Monday," Mr MacIntyre said.

"The repair work will require a road closure and this is why we’ve been unable to fix the leak as yet.

"We need to arrange the necessary permits to allow us to close the road for the safety of the public and our workforce.

"We’d like to thank the community for their patience."

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