Stagecoach is currently diverting the 8/8A routes via Kent Gardens and Surrey Gardens in both directions in Birchington due to reports of a fire and smoke coming from a manhole.
UK Power Networks attended, alongside police and Kent Fire and Rescue Service, to the incident in Park Lane running through to The Square today (May 9).
#Birchington #Thanet Due to a fire in Birchington Square, our 8/8A routes will be operating via Kent Gardens and Surrey Gardens in both directions until further notice. Please check the Stagecoach app before travelling. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. pic.twitter.com/bZURoRaKmm
— Stagecoach South East (@StagecoachSE) May 9, 2024
Park Lane is closed in both directions and there are delays while emergency electrical repairs are carried out.
Kent Fire and Rescue says an inspection revealed there was no fire. A spokesperson said: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of smoke coming from a man-hole in the road on Park Lane in Birchington.
“One fire engine attended, and the road was temporarily closed to make the scene safe. On inspection, there was no fire and duty of care was passed to Kent Police and UK Power Networks.”
Update: The A28 Canterbury Road: Closed at the junction with Park Lane until 16th May to allow for emergency works by UK Power Networks. A signed diversion route has been put in place.
The incident also meant a loss of electricity supply to some properties in the area.
A UK Power Networks spokesperson said: “Engineers are working as quickly as possible to restore electricity supplies to three customers in the Canterbury Road area of Birchington.
“A complex fault on an underground cable initially interrupted supplies to 27 customers between 9.12am and 10.10am yesterday (9 May). Engineers needed to turn off supplies to different groups of customers at different times to investigate and carry out repairs.
“Teams worked hard through to night and work is progressing to reconnect supplies to the remaining three properties as quickly and safely as possible. We apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused.”
The Square is closed to traffic coming from Westgate and from Brooksend. Traffic is currently being diverted through Kent Gardens via Station Road . Park Lane is also closed off at The Square.
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