Thousands of gallons of water have been pouring from a leak in a Canterbury road for three months despite a number of attempts to fix it.

The water is streaming down Hales Drive and was reported to South East Water by pensioner Gordon Evans, who lives nearby.

The 80-year-old, who used to be deputy engineer for the old Canterbury and District Water Board, says he is disappointed homeowners are continually being told to save water but the company cannot stop the flow.

He said: "They have tried to fix it at least twice, including digging up the road. The first time it seemed to work for a bit then started up again. The last time they left it with the water still pouring out. It’s just lucky it’s not winter time because it would be a sheet of ice."

Mr Evan believes the problem could a depression in the road surface from former works when a gas main was replaced.

He said: "I don’t know why it is proving so difficult. I would have thought it would have been a priority."

South East Water spokesman Jo Shippey said: "We were made aware of the water in Hales Drive on May 22 and a technician was sent to investigate.

"That indicated the water was not from a leak on our water main. Since then we have helped carry out numerous investigations to try and find the source of this water, however this has not proved successful.

"Due to the amount of water collecting in the road the company has met with Kent Highways to discuss the issue of drainage.

"Before South East Water can carry out further investigations, Kent Highways has agreed to clear the gullies at the side of the road as they are blocked.

"Only when these gullies have been cleared will the company be able to carry out further investigations should water continue to collect in this area."