Gas customers have been given an apology after having to call repeatedly for repairs over the last few months.

One family in Headcorn has called out workers at least 20 times because their service has been cut off.

The last two calls were to defrost the meter outside their home as temperatures fell to

-9C. Then, said Debbie Chappell, their water was cut off after a main burst.

A spokesman for Southern Gas said the problem arose from water in the gas pipes.

She apologised to customers for the inconvenience and praised their patience.

Krishna Indian restaurant owner Liz Chandnani said: "They seem to have a van permanently parked in the village. The men are so quick and so friendly.

"If there are signs the supply is failing I call them up and they come and fix it."

Sally Lewer, of Forge Meadows, said: "We have to call them out at least every two weeks. To be honest I can’t complain about the service when they do come along. In May, I was off for eight days and they did pay compensation."

Full story in this week's Kent Messenger Weald edition