Sewage had to pumped away from houses in Rochester on Sunday after a blockage on a pipe outside homes.

Southern Water was made aware of the flood and two tankers went to the scene in Harriet Drive, removing sewage from the area.

A spokesman said a 12-inch sewer pipe had been blocked in woodland and a crew was working to clear it.

It is understood no sewage got into the homes but gardens and drives were flooded.’

David Spareman, who lives in the road, claimed this was one of many similar incidents affecting home owners in the area.

He said: “It is a health hazard as far as I’m concerned and we have children living down here.

“The stench is unbelievable, it started this morning at about 10am.”

The spokesman for Southern Water said the sewer was being jetted regularly to avoid floods and added: “We are aware there have been other problems in the past and senior staff will be talking to our customers in the next couple of days.

“We do apologise to customers and understand it is quite distressing when they suffer sewer faults.”

Three homes are thought to have been affected by the flood.