A well-used route has closed for more than a week in a move described as "ridiculous" by frustrated residents.

Engineers from SGN have closed a section of Beaver Road in Ashford following reports of a gas leak.

It has left motorists only able to use the now one-way stretch from B&Q towards Ram Jams hairdressers.

Those travelling from Brookfield Road are also now unable to turn left towards Marinos Fish Bar while the works are in place.

Meanwhile, those using the chippy can only turn right in the direction of either Beaver Lane or Kingsnorth Road.

Residents say the closure, which started on Wednesday, is “ridiculous” as drivers faced delays in the area last winter.

One said: “Work was done last year when they shut the road due to gas leaks.

"They stopped work just before Christmas and didn't return until after Christmas while the roadworks were left.

"They did exactly the same thing a year before, so it's almost like a premeditated plan to do it just before Christmas on this road.

"The pipe just needs to be replaced as these roadworks will have a major impact on footfall and sales."

SGN says it is too early to predict when the road will reopen.

A spokesman said: "We’re working to urgently repair our gas network in Beaver Road following reports of a gas escape.

"For everyone’s safety around our work area, we’ve temporarily closed the westbound lane.

"Traffic approaching the B2229 Beaver Road from Norman Road is diverted along Bond Road and Jemmett Road where it rejoins the route onto Beaver Lane. Eastbound traffic is not affected.

"It’s too soon to say how long our repairs will take but we’ll provide updates at sgn.co.uk/our-gas-works/roadworks-your-area."

The roadworks are already causing long delays for drivers, with traffic backed up near Ashworths Chemist and outside One Stop in Beaver Lane.

Speaking online, one resident said: "Getting home is a nightmare every time."

Another person commented: "That's why the buses are being hounded by impatient car drivers then."

It comes at the same time pothole repairs are being carried out just 100 metres away in Bond Road.

The nearby stretch is to remain out-of-bounds to motorists in both directions between Beaver Road and William Road until work is expected to be complete on December 9.