Huge water leak in Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, leaves homes flooded
Published: 13:48, 21 February 2024
Updated: 08:38, 22 February 2024
Multiple homes have been hit by flooding after a huge water leak sprung up on a main road.
Residents in Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, woke up to water gushing outside their properties, leaving a number of gardens and driveways flooded.
Kevin Pantrey, whose basement has filled up with water, says he is “amazed at how much water can come out of a small pipe”.
“My basement is completely flooded – it’s about 18 inches deep,” he said.
“There’s water coming out of plug sockets, it’s pouring through the wall, it’s pouring off the top of the wall of the cellar itself.
“There’s so much water, it’s unbelievable.”
The leak, which is thought to have been caused by a burst pipe under a pavement, appeared overnight.
South East Water teams have been working in the area this week, with two-way traffic lights set up close to the leak.
Mr Pantrey, 69, added: “If it doesn't get fixed quickly, it could put the power out which will make the pump stop so we’ll be worse off.
“My tumble dryer in my basement is ruined because of all the water coming in.”
Ashford Road residents faced a similar issue last week when another pipe burst in the road.
John Wigg says his driveway and front garden were flooded, and water started to flow through his front door.
When he saw the water flowing down the road this morning, he initially thought it was down to the same pipe.
"I thought it had blown again in front of our house but then my wife said it was further up,” he said.
“It’s blown at the top of the hill so it’s coming down and unfortunately it sweeps across the easiest route which is across our gardens.
“Fortunately it’s just outside of our house at the moment but it’s teetering on the edge.”
In a statement, Andy Beston, regional network manager for South East Water, said the firm is “sorry for all those affected”.
“A burst water main on Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, has resulted in a small number of properties experiencing flooding, and some customers having no water or low pressure from their taps,” he said.
“Our expert technicians are on site. They’ve assessed the situation, and the burst is in a different location to one repaired on the main recently.
“The water main has been isolated to prevent further water escaping the pipe. Traffic management needs to be extended and the repair will be underway as soon as it is safe to do so.
“We have been in touch with Mr Pantrey regarding his situation.”
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Chantal Weller