A recycling centre is to remain closed for the rest of the day following a “small explosion” in the early hours.

Ashford Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) is not taking any bookings after a water heater malfunctioned at the site.

Residents are being turned away from the Cobbs Wood Industrial Estate facility, which underwent a £5m redevelopment in 2013.

A Kent County Council (KCC) spokesman said: “Cobbs Wood HWRC is closed following a small explosion in the early hours of this morning after a water heater malfunctioned in a non-public area.

“Nobody was on site at the time and residents with a booking are being offered alternative slots at their next nearest HWRC while a precautionary inspection is carried out.

“We expect to be able to reopen over the weekend and thank residents for their patience.”

Police say they were not called to the incident.

A spokesperson for the fire service added: “We were called to Cobbswood Industrial Estate, Brunswick Road, Ashford, to reports of an explosion in their underground room.

“Two fire engines attended, but on arrival crews checked the scene and there was no sign of smoke or fire.

“There were no reported injuries, and the cause is not yet known. Duty of care has been passed onto the responsible person on-site.”