A small pothole recently patched up with tarmac has suddenly expanded into a “rapidly growing” sinkhole.

The dip, which appeared, in Sandgate High Street, was originally repaired by Kent County Council (KCC) Highways staff earlier this week.

But at about 5pm yesterday, residents noticed the works had done little to help as the road began to sag.

Local councillor Tim Prater, who lives near the hole, told KentOnline: “A couple of days ago the hole appeared.

“Kent Highways turned up and filled it in, then yesterday it started to sag and become a danger to traffic.

“They came out again but now we are waiting for them to start a proper investigation.”

The section of carriageway outside the old Riviera Car Sales building has been cordoned off.

Cllr Prater (Lib Dem), district council deputy leader for Folkestone and Hythe, reports traffic can get by one at a time but is moving slowly.

He added: “I give them full points for patching the hole, however, they lose a few for the patch now falling into the rapidly growing hole.

“What they'll find we don't yet know. Collapsed drain? Washout? New Channel Tunnel entrance?”

It comes after increased ground movement in Folkestone and surrounding areas due to record levels of rainfall in February.

So far this year, there have been eight landslides in the district.

A hugely popular coastal park has been cordoned off – and one of the main routes from the town centre to the seafront, the Road of Remembrance, will remain shut until the summer.

A KCC spokesman said: “We are aware of the issues reported on Sandgate High Street.

“KCC contractors will be attending the site next week to investigate the conditions.

“We are unable to provide any more information until the conditions have been established.”