Thanet council says a temporary footpath is now in place at Tomlin Drive in Margate where 12 council houses are being built following complaints from residents that trying to get in or out of their homes was dangerous.
One mum, who asked not to be named, said “It is shocking that there’s only one entrance and exit, most of us being vulnerable and some disabled. There is no disabled access, the passage left for use has uneven paving stones lifted up by tree roots and the bars make it difficult to get a pushchair round, let alone a wheelchair.
“When the (construction) vehicles are being moved we are effectively trapped either in or out.
“There are now metal fences with asbestos signs from the construction site to the now altered pedestrian walkway. It feels like we’re in a cage.
“There is no lighting around the temporary path either. It’s dangerous and scary – it’s a struggle living in this area as is, let alone with additional obstacles.”
The construction is part of Thanet council’s new-build project for eight 3-bed and four 4-bed homes. The hardstanding, parking area, former garages area, bin stores and drying areas are being reconfigured as part of the build.
A Thanet council spokesperson said: “We are redeveloping four brownfield sites in Thanet as part of our ambitious Affordable Homes Programme. We’re building 49 new homes across the four sites. They will be rented to local people at affordable rents. The sites are Clements Road and Staner Court in Ramsgate, and Tomlin Drive and Dane Valley Arms in Margate.
“Tomlin Drive is one of four sites we’re redeveloping to bring more genuinely affordable rented housing to local people. We understand that building work can cause some disruption and are working with residents and the contractor to limit inconvenience for residents during the build.
“A temporary footpath is now in place so that people living near the site can access their homes more easily. Local people can also get in touch with the contractor’s resident liaison officer with any issues. We would like to thank residents for raising their concerns which we have acted upon.”
‘Still only one way in and out’
But one resident said the new access is still inadequate, adding: “There is still only one way in and one way out, the new pathway is just an extension of the old pathway,
“If there was a fire or some other unfortunate situation in or at our entrance/exit to the blocks we would be stuffed – We wouldn’t be able to get out.
They are digging up the square bit by the “walkway” and have closed it off and now open the fence to let us through.
“We are having to walk through the construction bit they are currently on and between two heavy machinery vehicles. It’s dangerous and inconvenient.”
Work at Tomlin Drive is expected to be completed by spring 2026. When finished, the homes will be let to people on the council’s Housing Register or in temporary accommodation.
One mum, who asked not to be named, said “It is shocking that there’s only one entrance and exit, most of us being vulnerable and some disabled.”
Unfortunately, This is where this country is now “vulnerable” the magic word to everything free and no personal responsibility. Before the usual characters contribute, I am classed disabled, I have a blue badge and I work full time. I find work to be the best thing for my mental health and my physical disability. Plus, Most people only have “one entrance and exit”,there is no legal building regulations requirement to have multiple access points for entering or exiting a property, apart from newly built high rise blocks, where a second staircase is now required for the fire brigade to enter while the residents exit via the other staircase.
using a wheelchair u cannot get thou, when i visit my friends there i just get my sons disabled pram thou. it nearly buggers my when when i turn thou the posts due to the uneven surface. also i’ve twisted my back on there and with back problems done me in for a week. it is so bad unless u live there or see it urselfs u wudnt believe it
“complaints from residents that trying to get in or out of their homes was dangerous” Yes thats true but living there isnt very safe either.
“It is shocking that there’s only one entrance and exit…”
It’s a cul-de-sac.
They’re all on the doll anyways, they never leave their flats so don’t know what the issue is!
Blow-up?