A new Kent MP is putting the repair of a collapsed road which has been “a living nightmare for residents” for more than a year high on his agenda.

Newly appointed Dartford MP Jim Dickson is continuing where his predecessor left off in pushing the government for funds to reopen the A226 Galley Hill Road in Swanscombe.

Earlier this year, former Dartford MP Gareth Johnson went to the then Minister for Roads and Local Transport Guy Opperman and asked for money towards the major repair project.

Now Mr Dickson is hoping to work with the companies and authorities involved and approach the new government for help.

He said: “With a new government, there is an opportunity here.

“I would like to take to them a package that KCC, Thames Water and the other companies involved have agreed on and see if the government can assist in any way.”

He said the issue needed to be addressed as soon as possible as he fears Swanscombe could be cut off from transport links. An incident last week saw rail services disrupted through Swanscombe when a lorry hit a railway bridge.

“There is a real risk this could happen again,” he said. “Rail services in and out of Swanscombe could be affected for days or weeks next time.”

He added: “We need to find a long-term solution for rebuilding the road as soon as possible.

“It’s been a living nightmare for Swanscombe residents.”

Lorries failing to follow diversion signs set up by Kent County Council have caused huge headaches for residents who have been left facing daily traffic chaos and damage to cars and garden walls.

Mr Dickson added: “Lorries thunder down narrow streets which are totally unsuitable for vehicles of that size, putting parked cars and people at risk.

“We need KCC, Thames Water and the other businesses involved to reach a solution for the restoration of the road. I want to work with them to ensure this happens as soon as possible.”

Since the road between Swanscombe High Street and Ebbsfleet Football Club’s Kuflink Stadium in Northfleet collapsed in April 2023 there has been more than a year of legal wranglings between highways authority KCC, Thames Water and the landowners.

The issue was brought up during a debate in Westminster Hall in May in which Mr Johnson called for government support for repairs to the A226 Galley Hill Road.

He told the debate: “We cannot have nothing happen while KCC and Thames Water resolve their dispute.

“I am asking the government to step in to pay for the repair and replacement of this road. Whoever is liable can compensate the government at a later date.”

He added: “This is a frustrating situation that has gone on for far too long.”

Then Minister for Roads and Local Transport Guy Opperman accepted the road closure was a “massive issue”.

He told the meeting: “I accept this is going to be a very expensive process and it is vital that Kent progress this matter.”

But he stopped short of pledging government funds directly to the project.

He added: “It is not the norm for the Department of Transport to step in and say do not worry about the Highways Act and step in and fix the problem and that's not what I would propose.

“However, it is not acceptable that not all the parties in the room are talking on an ongoing basis.

“My door is open to convene a meeting with Thames Water and KCC and invite them to come in and discuss the way ahead.

“It is impossible to do anything until you can identify causation and what good repair looks like.”

In April, residents waved placards and tooted horns in a protest dubbed an “unhappy birthday” marking one year since the major road collapsed.

Last month, investigation work finally took place on the site after diggers were granted access to the north and south sides but were stopped again when live cables were found.

The work was eventually completed and a report on the findings is due to be released in August.