A key route in Folkestone is set to be closed off for up to four months, starting from today.

Southern Water will be blocking off the northern entrance of Horn Street as part of vital sewage works.

The work on the road, which connects Seabrook to Cheriton, is designed to allow drainage at the new Shorncliffe Heights development.

The work will begin next week on Monday, January 28 and will take approximately 16 weeks to complete, but the closure has come into effect today.

It comes after the water company replaced some of waste water pipes and now need to complete the work.

New ducts need to be laid over 3m deep in Horn Street from the junction of Ghale Way down past St Martin’s C of E Primary school.

In a letter to St Martin's Plain residents, the company said a full road closure was necessary due to the width of the roads they are working in.

Additionally, workers will also need to close the entrance to the school.

The water company say a diversion route has been agreed with Kent Highways and will be clearly signposted.

Kevin Fausset, project manager at Southern Water said: "We want to provide our customers in the St Martins Plain in the Shorncliffe area with the reliable waste water service they deserve so we're installing 190 metres of new sewer pipe along Horn Street.

"We've tried to make sure everyone understands what we are doing and why by writing to residents and arranging a drop-in.

"We're very grateful for the supportive attitude of local residents.

"We do apologise to anyone who is inconvenienced by this work and ask them to be patient while we work as quickly as is safely possible."

Residents previously reported on a smell in the area. Cllr John Collier, who represents the Cheriton ward, said: "It's an inconvenience - something we all could have done without, but the residents are prepared to live it on the basis that it will be sorted.

"It's a situation that would have only got worse."

A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey said: "We apologise to residents for any disruption caused as a result of the necessary works to lay new drainage in Horn Street. We have been working closely with Southern Water to finalise the programme of improvement works and we will do all we can to keep any inconvenience to a minimum. We would like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation as these works are carried out."

Drop off points for children of St. Martins C of E school are due to be confirmed to notify parents, while Southern Water have paid for a marshal to assist with the school run. The school has been contacted for comment.

Stagecoach buses have confirmed a diversion will be in place for their main routes.

A notice from the travel provider said: "Horn Street will be closed at its northern end between St Martin's Primary School and the junction with Queen's Avenue.

"This closure will start on January 21, and is expected to be finished by the 15 April 2019.

"Due to this route 104 buses from Cheriton to Lydd will operate via Church Road, Pond Hill, West Road, Hospital Hill, Horn Street, Spring Lane Estate, then resume normal route.

"104 buses from Lydd to Cheriton will operate via Spring Lane Estate, Horn Street, Hospital Hill, West Road, Pond Hill, Church Road, then resume normal route.

"We regret any inconvenience caused by this diversion which is necessary due to sewer works by Southern Water."

For service updates, visit their Twitter page @StagecoachSE

The alternative route for all through traffic is via Horn Street, A259 Seabrook Road, B2063 Hospital Hill, West Road, North Road, Military Road, Risborough Lane and Church Road.

Residents with concerns about the works are asked to contact the Southern Water customer services team on 0330 303 0368, quoting project reference number 670586.