Work has finally begun on a road in Folkestone that has been closed to the public for more than two years after a landslip.

Folkestone’s Road of Remembrance was shut in January 2024 after trees and large volumes of soil collapsed onto it, cutting off a key link between the harbour and the town centre.

Kent County Council (KCC) previously revealed it would cost about £5 million to reopen the road and stressed the need to act quickly due to the slope being “very unstable”. However, the highways authority has confirmed work to stabilise the cliff is officially underway – marking a major milestone in long-awaited plans to reopen the historic route.

Cllr Peter Osbourne, KCC cabinet member for highways and transport, said:

“This is a very historically important road that was used in the First World War. Our troops marched down and went to war from here, so it must be rebuilt properly.

“This is highly specialist work in a very challenging environment, and it was never going to be a quick or simple project It’s great to now be at the stage where work is underway.

“This project will not only restore this key route, but also support local businesses and communities in Folkestone.”

(Picture: Kent County Council)