Gas leak forces closure on A2 Newington High Street
Published: 08:02, 19 July 2019
Updated: 08:14, 19 July 2019
A section of the A2 is closed due to a gas leak.
Diversions are in place following the closure of the High Street from Playstool Road to the A249 roundabout in Newington, near Sittingbourne.
The gas leak occurred on the pedestrian crossing in the High Street and Church Lane and Bull Lane are also closed.
The emergency repairs are being carried out by SGN.
A statement from the gas company said: "We’re working to keep local homes and businesses safe and warm by carrying out urgent repairs to our gas network along the A2 High Street in Sittingbourne.
"For everyone's safety, we've closed the A2 High Street from its junction with Playstool Road to the A249 roundabout and signed diversions are in place.
"The junctions with Bull Lane and Church Lane remain closed and our temporary three-way lights at the junction with Station Road remain in place."
Newinton Parish Council also warned residents of the emergency repairs on its website.
Cllr Mike Whiting, Kent County Council's cabinet member for planning, highways, transport and waste said it is not known when the road will re-open but said "everyone is pushing hard to sort it as quickly as possible".
He advised residents that the gas company say closures could be in place until July 26 but is asking "for that to be amended to something more realistic and accurate".
Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne
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Sam Williams