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Blocked drains in Folkestone's town centre cause a stink
09:29, 19 August 2019
updated: 09:30, 19 August 2019
Not enough is being done to keep a town's drains clear and clean, it has been claimed.
Images showing the state of several drains in Folkestone reveal blocked grills with weeds growing out of them, litter strewn over the top and cigarette butts discarded around them.
The pictures were taken by frustrated Jane Pullan, who says it is the same story throughout the rest of the town.
Ms Pullan, who is retired, fears the drainage system would not be able to cope during a flood and claims they are an eyesore and smell.
She said: "I think it is dreadful.
"We have a lot of visitors to Folkestone and this isn't very nice to see.
"What is the point of having a drainage system that doesn't work?
"I have noticed at the bottom of Tontine Street it is very smelly, even if it isn't raining. I guess it's at the bottom of the line.
"I've been tempted to go down there with a bottle of bleach. Apparently the road was flooded recently.
"And I walked down St Michael's Street and had to leap over small rivers. There is nowhere for the water to go.
"We pay our council tax and street maintenance is suppose to be included."
Ms Pullan, who has lived in Folkestone for five years but has visited family in the town most her life and honeymooned there, says she attempted to call Kent County Council (KCC) about the drains.
She said: "I have been trying for years to get the council or whoever is responsible, to clear the drains. I've sent messages and spent ages on the phone.
"Unbelievably one has to report individual drains! After nearly an hour I had to hang up.
"As far as I can see nothing has been done. Most drains have weeds growing out of them.
"I was assured they were done annually but that's a blatant lie.
"You can see from the pictures there is no way that can get compacted like that in a year.
"I did notice one drain got cleared about two years ago but I thought what was the point of only clearing one?"
A KCC spokesman said: "We regularly inspect and clean our major network of around 70,000 surface drains, with those on high speed routes and known problem these are cleansed twice a year.
"Should residents be concerned about flooding on the highway or flooding as a result of water from the highway they can report it to us.
"In this instance we will send an officer to investigate and any issues found will be programmed in."
To report highway flooding or drainage issues, visit www.kent.gov.uk/highways
