A pensioner says his street has been turned into a scene akin to war-torn Syria because of fibre-optic broadband roadworks.

David Smith, 69, of Aylesbury Road off Trinity Road in Kennington, said workmen have dug up paths and verges and caused chaos for residents for the past month.

Virginmedia is bringing fast broadband to residents in the area, but Mr Smith believes that his fellow neighbours are happy with other providers and don’t need the hassle.

He said: “They haven’t told us and there was no consultation from Kent Highways about the roadworks. We’ve had diggers, lorries, vans, compressors, it’s been like World War Three.

“It has caused mess and obstructions for everyone, with dust and drilling, and our ward councillor says the borough council didn’t know it was about to happen.

“We just had a note through our door from Virginmedia about it saying that they won’t be around for any longer than they need to be.

“But no one can park, there’s mess all over everyone’s cars, deep trenches have been dug, and nobody here even wants it. It would be cleaner in Syria than it is here. It’s diabolical, they have just blitzed us.

“I thought roadworks were for essential services, I don’t think they should ever have gained permission, our paths will never be the same again.”

Kent County Council Highways said the roadworks were published on the list of scheduled works, and a spokesman said the authority was not aware of any complaints.

Virginmedia spokesman Verity Henderson said the roadworks in Aylesbury Road are due to finish this week, and said the company is putting in the fast broadband to give millions of homes and business access to the service.

She added: "As we do so, we endeavour to minimise disruption to local communities and are working with our contractors to ensure that work is carried out with professionalism and at the highest standard.

"In this case, we notified the residents of Aylesbury Road in advance of the work taking place and we apologise for the inconvenience we may have caused."