News

A huge clean-up is now under way to deal with the trail of destruction left behind after the earthquake which hit Shepway on Saturday (28 April).

Hundreds of families face the threat of having their homes condemned in the aftermath of the biggest earthquake to strike Britain in five years.

Insurers fear the bill for the damage could spiral beyond the early £20million estimate.

Malcolm Tarling, of the Association of British Insurers, made his estimate on the basis of the last serious earthquake to hit Britain, which struck in Dudley in 2002 and ended up costing £15-£20million.

More than 70 properties in the Folkestone area have been cordoned off as unsafe and nearly 1,000 pupils are having the day off after Saturday's earthquake left the Harvey Grammar School buildings in Folkestone cracked and ceilings in need of inspection.

A full assessment of the damage is due to be carried out today (30 April)

Last night dangerously loose chimney stacks, tiles and masonry forced many people to spend another night in emergency accommodation.

Folkestone and Hythe MP Michael Howard said he was grateful that the community had escaped “relatively unscathed”. The former Tory Party leader said: “I think we have got off remarkably lightly."