Improving water supply reliability in Smarden and Pluckley

Two villages near Ashford are set to benefit from a more reliable water supply as South East Water announces two vital mains replacement projects.

The fresh drinking water supplier is carrying out two projects to improve the reliability of the local water network. The schemes, located at Glebe Close, Smarden, and Smarden Bell Road, Pluckley, involve replacing around 800 metres of ageing water mains.

Jeremy Dufour, South East Water’s Project Manager for both schemes, said: “We’re pleased to be able to deliver these two projects to improve the reliability of the water supply network in Pluckley and Smarden.

“Ageing water mains become unreliable and lead to frequent bursts and so by replacing them, we’re reducing the likelihood of future bursts and the supply interruptions caused as a result.

“Although it’s necessary to improve the network, we know our work will be disruptive and we’re sorry for this. Our team will aim to complete the work as quickly as possible to minimise the impact to the community, and we’d like to thank everyone for their patience.”

Glebe Close will have around 150 metres of pipeline replaced, with work having started on Monday 4 August. The project is expected to take around six weeks to complete.

Approximately 640 metres of new pipeline will be laid in Smarden Bell Road, with work currently planned to start on Monday 22 September. This project is expected to take around nine weeks to complete.

While access will be maintained for residents and businesses, Smarden Bell Road will be closed to through traffic for the duration of the work. A diversion route, agreed with Kent Highways, will be signposted and can also be seen on the water company’s dedicated project webpage.

Customers wanting to find out more about these two projects, along with other projects the company is currently working on, can visit this webpage.