Network Rail will soon begin work to repair and repaint the Luton Arches in Chatham following the discovery of significant defects. The £652,000 refurbishment will take place from 11 January until the end of March 2021. Works will include cleaning the bridge with high pressure water jetting, repainting the steelwork, installation of new pigeon proofing, brickwork repairs and the replacement of damaged gutters. The westbound side of Chatham Hill towards Rochester will be narrowed into a single lane for the duration of the refurbishment. Some overnight road closures will be necessary as outlined below:
Road users are advised to expect some delays until the work is complete. Built in 1858, the Luton Arches help the London to Faversham main line over the steep Luton valley and are seen by thousands of people every day on their way in and out of the town on the A2 road.
Its full refurbishment comes after leaking, old metal guttering was replaced with new plastic pipes back in 2015, after which £96,000 worth of improvements were completed in late 2017 involving the installation of a canopy to protect pedestrians from pigeon droppings. In July this year, Network Rail joined forces with community group Arches Local and artist Lionel Stanhope to create a unique art mural on the bare walls of the local railway landmark. The refurbishment of the Luton Arches in 2021 will be completed by contractor Dyer & Butler on behalf of Network Rail. The KFC branch in Chatham High Street has permanently shut, putting months of speculation to rest.
The fast food giant confirmed the closure to Future Chatham this week, after the restaurant was last open before the first Covid-19 national lockdown. Although the restrictions were eased and other fast food chains in the High Street opened their doors to customers once again, the KFC branch was vacated and its brand signage completely removed. A KFC spokesperson said: "Sadly, the Colonel's time came to an end on Chatham High Street, but local chicken fans need not despair as they can still visit our nearby restaurant at Horsted Retail Park!” The KFC restaurant in Chatham High Street has been open for a number of decades, later undergoing a major refurbishment in 2016. Its closure joins a growing list of businesses that have left Chatham over the course of this year alone. This includes Debenhams in January, Buzz Bingo in July, GO Outdoors in August, the Age UK charity shop in September, the Co-op Bank in November and popular Park Club gym & leisure centre very recently. |
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August 2023
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