Plans to lower a grassy bank opposite the William Harvey Hospital have hit a snag.

Kent County Council workmen started preliminary works to lower the mound off Yeoman Gardens, Willesborough Lees.

It became apparent works could not continue because the bank was made of sand.

KCC traffic schemes manager Andy Corcoran said: “We were keen to improve visibility for drivers from Yeoman Gardens onto the roundabout outside the William Harvey Hospital.

“On closer inspection it became clear that the bank consists of sand, rather than solid earth, and removing this may have resulted in the collapse of the footpath.

“In light of this, the bank will be left as it is. We will instead construct a widened footway alongside Kennington Road and the Yeoman Gardens give-way line will be bought forward which will help to improve visibility.”

Resident Freda Holt, who has lived opposite the bank in Yeoman Gardens for 15 years, was pleased by the news.

“I’m pleased as long as they’re not taking the bank away,” she said. “That’s all I was worried about.

“We thought we were going to lose half of the footpath but luckily they couldn’t do it so I’m very pleased.”