A “timetable of options” to fix a major road shut for the last eight months due to a landslip won’t be put forward until the New Year.

Part of A226 Galley Hill in Swanscombe collapsed in April after a water pipe burst, causing debris to crumble off a cliff onto business premises below.

Residents have been left frustrated with diversions which have caused havoc to bus timetables and heavy congestion in the narrow surrounding streets since.

But now, Kent County Council (KCC) cabinet member for highways and transport, Cllr Neil Baker (Con), says “things are starting to progress”.

Speaking at a meeting of the joint transportation board at Dartford council on Tuesday, Cllr Baker gave an update on plans to repair Galley Hill Road following its collapse back in March.

The highways representative told the meeting KCC was still “awaiting surveys” to decide what actually can be done going forward.

He explained that, despite huge delays due to legal and ownership issues, things are now “starting to progress”.

Cllr Baker said no future plans for the A226, which runs between Swanscombe HIgh Street and the Kufflink Stadium – Ebbsfleet United’s football ground – could be decided until structural surveys had been completed.

“Safety has to come absolutely first,” he added. “But once we do know more then we can consider whether we could allow pedestrian use, bus use, one-way traffic, etc.

“But until we can be sure we aren't putting any of those users at risk, we simply cannot allow any of those things.”

As for a timescale of when frustrated residents can see any action taking place on the road, Cllr Baker said he would hope to be able to provide a timescale of “broad” options in the new year.

“Timescales are tricky because I'm wary of committing a huge amount of resources to options that might then be immediately ruled out once the surveys are completed,” he said.

“But, at the same time, I would hope to have a timetable with options at some point in the New Year so we can explore the art of the possible.”

The possibility of a completely new road was also raised.

“Obviously, this will be full of challenges but it is appreciated just how crucial this route is,” he explained.

Several businesses have experienced financial repercussions – both direct and indirect – from the incident and continued closure.

Employees at demolition firm Lancebox Ltd in Manor Way Business Park were left fearing for their lives after a section of the cliff edge fell onto their business premises.

Meanwhile, Hot Rod Diner, in High Street, Northfleet has seen a huge drop in business and has been forced to lay off staff and “dramatically” cut their hours after the road closure saw a huge decrease in passing trade.

“Because of the road closure, we are basically a dead-end now,” owner Laura Chantler told KentOnline. “Unless people are specifically coming to us they don’t come past.”