News


Vaccine lifts A LOCAL cab firm is doing its bit


to help elderly and vulnerable people get to and from their vac- cinations.


Sapphire Cars, based in Pud- ding Lane, is giving special rates for customers needing a lift to the local centre.


The firm’s cars have COVID-19 screens, staff wear masks and carry out a throrough cleaning regime. Call 01622 663000 for de- tails.


Path diverted


WALKERS using the path through the graveyard at St Nicholas Church in Leeds are being sent on a diversion to allow the main, direct route to recover from excessive use. The pathway was churned up


by Leeds Castle visitors and those who used the church car park during the recent lockdown.


COVID help


CHART Sutton parish councillors are on hand to help residents with prescriptions, shopping and emergencies during lockdown. Call Mike on 01622 743270.


downsmail.co.uk


Heavy traffic blamed for Leeds pipe leaks


HIGH levels of traffic on the road through Leeds are being blamed by the water board for a succession of burst mains. South East Water (SEW) closed the B2163 in Upper Street in early January after another section of pipe broke, sending a cascade run- ning through the village. It is the latest in a series of prob- lems which locals have blamed on the increasing number of vehicles using the village as a route be- tween the A274 and the A20. In particular, they point to mas-


sive articulated lorries which are meant to be banned from Leeds. Andy Beston, SEW regional net-


work manager, said a combination of factors can cause leaks. Mr Beston said: “Burst water


mains can be caused by a number of reasons, including ground move- ment due to freezing temperatures and then thaw, vibrations due to traffic and the age of the pipe.


Your ideal job? “This stretch of road has suffered


a number of bursts over recent years and are investigating options to improve the situation.” It strengthens local calls for a re- lief road around the village.


Campaigner Gary Cooke (left), the local county councillor, said: “I’ve not heard the water board di- rectly blame vibrations caused by traffic as a reason for the pipes breaking before.


“It does contradict what Kent Highways’ experts have told me in the past, so I will ask for some clar- ity on that. “It seems no coincidence that the


very stretch of Upper Street that takes the brunt is where there are so many burst pipes.


“I suspect this may be caused by


a mish-mash of old and new pipes. An old pipe breaks and it is re- placed by a new one. Then the next bit of old pipe breaks and on it goes.


“Local people made the connec- tion between traffic and burst pipes long before now.”


Despite repeated requests for Kent Police to enforce the lorry ban, locals insist they rarely do.


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