A popular route regularly used as a cut-through into Canterbury has been sealed off to motorists following a gas leak.

Forty Acres Road was closed on Monday to allow engineers to carry out the emergency repairs.

It is expected to remain shut for up to nine days, adding to the city's traffic woes following the closure of Calcott Hill in Sturry yesterday.

"The road is closed at the junction with Beverley Road," a spokesman said.

"The alternative route is through the A290 Whitstable Road, St Dunstan's Street, Station Road West, St Stephen’s Road, St Stephen’s Hill, Beaconsfield Road and vice versa.

"This is to enable emergency gas escape works to be carried out by SGN."

Drivers are already being directed along an 18-mile detour while Calcott Hill - the main route between Canterbury and Herne Bay - is sealed off.

County council officers are urging motorists to take a lengthy diversion along the A299 Thanet Way towards St Nicholas-at-Wade while teams undertake carriageway repairs to the east of the city.

But many have opted to use Thornden Wood Road - which sends drivers towards Forty Acres Road - instead.

Calcott Hill is expected to be closed between the Punch Tavern pub and Long Shaw Farm for as many as eight days.