A road in Faversham town centre has been cordoned off after a large hole was found under the pavement.

Workers from South East Water uncovered the void while investigating a leak in Market Street this afternoon.

The 5m wide cavity was found underneath the road outside the former Clinton Cards shop near the junction with West Street.

The busy shopping road has been cordoned off between Court Street and Newton Road “until further notice” while urgent repairs are carried out.

Kent County Council spokesman Ella Hughes says: “The road is closed due to emergency repairs to a water leak.

Related story

Gillingham road 'unstable' after lorry falls into hole

"Investigations have discovered a large void under the road.

"It will remain closed until further notice while further investigation work is carried out."

South East Water spokesman Martin Davis added: "Our leak technicians were carrying out routine detection work in the area when they became aware of a leak on the pipeline in Market Street.

"During repairs our contractor Clancy Docwra discovered a large hole just beneath the surface of the road.

"The hole is not deep, but it is about five metres in diameter. The cause of the hole is being investigated.

"The leak was fixed today, but the reinstatement work is complicated because of the size of the hole and the other utilities in the area.

"Market Street is very narrow and a road closure remains in place to ensure the safety of all the teams and the public while repairs are carried out.

"We cannot be certain when the road will reopen at this stage."