Kent County Council has apologised after ill-timed roadworks left a village 'marooned'.

Residents in Challock, near Ashford , spoke out after two main routes through the village were shut at the same time.

The A252, which runs through the village and serves as a major artery to Faversham, has been shut for two weeks as long-awaited improvement works take place.

The situation was made worse by the closure of a potential detour route, Faversham Road, for resurfacing works.

And many drivers ignored the diversion route listed by the council, which has been described as "a considerably lengthy one", in favour of Blind Lane, a single-track residential road.

The ensuring chaos frustrated motorists and drivers alike, as well as reportedly causing damage to grass verges, bushes and gardens.

Chapmans Close resident Rich Pemberton told KentOnline at the time that the situation was so bad that he tried to avoid leaving his house.

He explained: "The most obvious diversions to Charing - via Faversham Road or Sandyhurst Lane, both of which could cope temporarily - haven't been used and the former is unbelievably closed.

"There is no easy access to Chapmans Close at the moment. Whichever way you come is gridlock."

In a statement shared by Challock Parish Council, a KCC spokesman said that a plan to avoid the situation had not been possible.

He said: "It was originally envisaged that we would remove the closure on A252 whilst the resurfacing took place on Faversham Road but unfortunately this did not happen due to it not being safe to do so.

"I can only apologise that both works were undertaken at the same time and I will be replying to all who have written in with their concerns and complaints regarding the lack of co ordination.

"I am aware that on Monday 7 September school children were very late due to the above and we have been in communication with Challock school head teacher.

"Blind lane and Church lane have been a particular concern as the width of Blind Lane does not allow 2 way traffic. This was always going to be an issue."

The statement went on to explain that Blind Lane has now been made one way, but admitted that this still mean that "residents are very much disadvantaged due to the long diversion route".

It finished: "The closure will remain in place until next Tuesday to allow additional resurfacing in this phase of the work to help reduce the closure time on the east side of the roundabout which will take place between 23 – 30 September.

"From 16 September to 22 September there will be no road closures and work will continue through the use of 4 way temporary traffic lights.

"This is not ideal at all but better than a road closure especially on A251.

"I apologise once again for the inconvenience that these works are causing but please be assured that every effort is being made to completely the works as fast as possible."

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