A busy route has been closed following a burst water main - as residents are warned their taps could run dry.

Workmen from South East Water have started repairs on the ruptured pipe in Broad Oak Road, Canterbury, today.

But the firm is unable to say when the stretch, which is sealed off between Vauxhall Road and Kingsmead Road, is likely to reopen.

South East Water’s distribution manager Adam Newbury said: “We are really sorry to customers in the Broad Oak area for the disruption this burst water main has caused.

“We are working as quickly as we can to repair the broken water pipe and get supplies back to normal.

"While we do this, some customers in the CT2 postcode area may have low water pressure or an interruption to their tap water supply."

The company estimates the burst is about 12 inches in diameter.

A diversion taking motorists along Sturry Road has been put in place, while the route remains shut.

“We will also need to repair the road and for the safety of the public and our workforce, we need to do this under a closure," Mr Newbury added.

"We have worked with the highways authority and put in place a diversion route.

“Once again, we apologise for the inconvenience and thank everyone for their patience.”

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