Sue Akhurst of the Faversham Creek Trust enquired about the current position on the Creek Bridge. This was Paul Carter's reply.

"Following your request for an update I have been in conversation with Simon Jones (Director Highways, Transportation and Waste in Growth, Environment and Transport) for a full update.

We understand that the temporary bridge and footway is continuing to serve Faversham well. We have been routinely inspecting them to make sure they remain safe and useable, although at the moment traffic volumes are so low the road bridge has barely been used.

In terms of working towards a permanent replacement opening bridge, we have appointed two consulting engineering companies to develop outline designs and costed proposals.

These commissions cover repairs to the abutments, a replacement bridge deck plus footway as well as all the mechanical and electrical requirements.

The mechanical and electrical work addresses both bridge and road systems such as the communications and CCTV systems as well as the traffic warning and traffic control lights and barriers.  We are also seeking a proposal on how these could all be remotely operated safely.

Once we conclude the design phase it would be our plan to share our findings and to work through the operational needs and requirements. This will ensure the local community is fully engaged, supportive and plays a role in the future use and operation of the bridge.

We continue to seek the support of Peel Ports and their contribution to the project. Accordingly we are trying to finalise a formal agreement so that they, as the navigation authority, take a more active role. In the meantime outline designs and options for the sluice gates are being drawn up which we hope Peel Ports will support.

So whilst we are making progress, we have suffered some delays due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, which we will attempt to recover once we see sufficient relaxation in current conditions.

Finally, I am pleased to say that Michael Payne, who is the Cabinet Member for Highways & Transport, has  confirmed his commitment to seeing an opening bridge restored in Faversham and he is keen to continue to be involved in this important project.”