downsmail.co.uk


Crack leads to closure of bridge after impact


TESTON Bridge near Maidstone has been shut, amid fears that a large section is about to crumble and fall into the River Medway. Kent Highways officials have


closed the crossing after a vehicle hit one of the main sections. Teston Lane is now likely to be


out of commission until Sunday, September 3, with a number of di- versions in place. Motorists will be able to go via Tonbridge Road, Bow Road, Maid- stone Road, Hampstead Lane, Ben- over Road, High Street, Yalding Hill and onto Lower Road. The bridge is a busy crossing


over the Medway from Coxheath and into Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone, and the closure is likely to have major consequences for road users. Sailing group, the RiverMedway Boaters, was among the first to draw attention to the closure. Members Tweeted: “The river is being closed to all boats this after- noon due to a large section of the bridge in danger of falling into the river.”


News of the closure sparked an immediate response on social media. Maureen McNamara posted on Facebook: "How did that hap- pen? At Yalding, the lorries fre- quently hit the bridge and it has to be rebuilt, but I have never heard of this one being clunked, was it an impact that caused it?" Gareth Ve wrote: "I don't know


why the local council don't put six feet, six inch height barriers, which


A large crack in the side of Teston Bridge, caused when a vehicle hit it, has led to the bridge being closed. Diversions are in place


would stop 99% of unsuitable vehi- cles using it." Tony Lavelle said: "It has hap-


pened before. Looks like the dam- age is to the parapet not the supporting arch. Maybe it wasn't repaired to a good enough stan- dard last time." In September 2016, Teston Bridge


was shut after it was hit by a vehi- cle, leaving a hole in the side of the structure.


News


MP’s thumbs up for caring


MAIDSTONE MP Helen Grant has welcomed a new “stay at home” service for the elderly, admitting that she would like to live in her own home for as long as possible into her old age. Helen praised the scheme of home-call care assistants offered by Bluebird Care in Maidstone. She said: “It’s really made me


think about how I would like to be cared for in the event that I need ad- ditional support when I get older, as I would certainly want to remain in my own home for as long as possi- ble.”


Helen made her comments after visiting Royal Air Force veteran Ge- offrey Kellam. The 88-year-old, who took part in


the Berlin Airlift of 1948-9, has had the support of live-in care assistant Shawlene Chance since July. Having lived in Maidstone for 60


years, Geoffrey wanted to stay put, even though his family grew con- cerned after he had several falls. Geoffrey said: “It is reassuring for


me and my family to know that someone is always here. “She keeps the house clean, looks


after me and I enjoy the company of having her around.” .


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