A village will remain divided for another month after heavy rain delayed works to replace gas pipes.

East Malling High Street, which has been closed since July 27, was due to reopen next Wednesday.

But this week utility firm SGN – which is carrying out the works – announced it would need more time to get the job done.

The road, which connects Tonbridge Road with London Road, was closed for the summer with a 10-mile diversion, forcing motorists through Leybourne and Kings Hill.

Work, costing £42,000, to upgrade gas pipes has been delayed due to the poor weather conditions, however locals suspect the contractors underestimated how much time the project would take.

"It is very frustrating that disruption will continue.”

Cllr Trudy Dean, Malling Central, KCC

Cllr Trudy Dean, who represents Malling Central at Kent County Council, said: “It was made perfectly clear this contract had to finish before the end of the school holidays.

“SGN started a week late and it is very frustrating that disruption will continue.”

Zoe Wopling, who runs the North Pole pub in Red Hill, Wateringbury, says her trade has been significantly affected by roadworks.

Signs at the top of Red Hill, which leads to the High Street, warn of the closure despite the works taking place more than two miles away.

She alleges business as usual signs were not put up until August 17, 20 days after the works began

She said: “The works have cut off every road leading to my pub.

“It’s not such a big problem for our regulars, but we’ve seen a huge reduction in passing trade.

“Summer is an important time for us, we have invested heavily in our beer garden.”

“The works have divided our village."

Roger Round, East Malling Parish Council

Roger Round of the East Malling Parish Council, said: “The works have divided our village. It has been deprived of this vital route for the whole summer and I believe the situation is totally unacceptable.”

SGN said the delay was due to recent poor weather and ground conditions.

It added the time extension was agreed with KCC.

A spokeman said: “We apologise to anyone affected by the disruption and encourage any businesses who suffer a genuine loss of trade to get in touch.”