by Rachel Hovenden

A main road through Meopham remains closed after a water main burst.

The A227 Wrotham Road between Culverstone and Meopham Green could remain closed for up to two days, but Southern Water say they have repaired the problem.

Around 12 contractors from Southern Water are at the scene and have had to dig two ft down to reach the main, which burst in the early hours of the morning.

It has left nearby residents without water while repairs are being made.

The left lane of the road, heading towards Gravesend has been dug up, but both lanes are closed. Police cars are blocking the A227 at Field Road.

According to updates on Meopham Parish Council's website, the road will be closed for the next two days and exact location of the road closures are at Leylands Farm, close to Hope Hill Scout camp. The closure takes effect just beyond Steeles Lane.

It comes six months after part of Wrotham Road collapsed on New Year's Day because of a burst water main, leaving hundreds of homes without heating, water or electricity.

The parish council's website added: "As with the closure in January, diversions are likely to be difficult and routes through country lanes are not suitable for large vehicles.

"Anyone to the south of Leylands who needs to get to Meopham is advised to do so via Wrotham and Longfield Hill."

A Southern Water spokesman added: "Southern Water crews have repaired a water main on the A227, Wrotham Road, Meopham, which burst in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

"The main supplies the Meopham area and some customers had their supplies disrupted while the repair was made.

"Customer services staff travelled to Meopham to speak to customers and the parish council to keep them updated on what was happening.

"A section of the A227 has been closed and diversions will remain in place until the weekend while the road surface is reinstated.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank customers for their patience while the rest of the work is completed and the road is resurfaced."