Residents facing a huge diversion have criticised Kent County Council’s “ridiculous” decision to carry out a “pothole blitz” while another key route is closed.

The local authority has today shut the road at the top of Horn Street in Cheriton, Folkestone, for three days in order for the repairs to take place.

But it comes as Risborough Lane is already blocked until July 19 due to gas works.

It means anyone hoping to get from the M20 to either Church Road or Taylor Wimpey’s Shorncliffe Heights development must now drive an extra 1.5 miles through Enbrook Valley.

As it is the only route to the housing estate - where 500 new homes have been built - there are fears it will become gridlocked during pick-up time for Cheriton Primary in Church Road and St Martin’s Primary in Horn Street.

KCC has said its pothole repairs will only take place between the hours of 8am and 5pm.

Residents have expressed their concerns on social media, with Terry Gough commenting: “More gridlock mayhem.”

Natalie Simmonds said: “Bl***y ridiculous. Could they not have waited for the other end to be done?”

Traffic was already heavy in Enbrook Valley on the diversion route this morning, locals said.

However, not everyone sees the roadworks as a bad thing, despite the disruption.

Craig Parker wrote: “So what? Get over it, it’s only for a few days.

“You moan when they do no roadworks and moan when they do roadworks.”

A spokesperson from Kent County Council said: "This is a complex site which required advanced planning. Residents were made aware of the pothole blitz works in plenty of time via a letter drop and advanced boards detailing the closure and timings of the works.

“We also gave advanced warnings of the works to Network Rail as it will impact one of their structures. The works will take no longer than two working days and will take place out of peak times.

"Unfortunately, the nearby gas works have over-run due to unforeseen circumstances which are out of our control. We apologise for the inconvenience caused."