A zoo was forced to close after a water main burst - while emergencies supplies have been handed out to vulnerable people.

Some residents in Littlebourne, near Canterbury, have been left without water since yesterday morning due to the incident.

While the majority of Southern Water's customers should now have running water, the repair is "complex" and is taking longer than hoped to fix.

Meanwhile, the burst water main has caused issues for nearby Howletts Wildlife Park - which was forced to close yesterday.

It has since reopened with limited facilities, according to a post on social media.

Bottles of water are being delivered to vulnerable customers in the area - and a bottled water station has been set up at Bekesbourne Village Hall in Station Road

Drivers faced delays yesterday on the A257 in both directions between Littlebourne and Bramling while work was carried out.

Southern Water was alerted to the issue just before 5.30am and workers are still on site repairing the burst.

A statement issued by the firm this morning on social media said: "Thanks to everyone in the Littlebourne area of Canterbury for your patience as we continue with our emergency repairs.

"The majority of customers should now be in supply but unfortunately the repair is complex and so is taking longer than we’d hoped.

"We’ll continue to deliver bottled water to vulnerable customers and our bottled water station is set up at Bekesbourne Village Hall in Station Road.

"Traffic management on Bekesbourne Lane and water supply tankers will remain in the area."

The work is ongoing between Bekesbourne Lane and Cherville Lane.

The statement added: "If you think you, or anyone you know, should be on our Priority Services Register to receive bottled water, please call us on 0330 303 0277."

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