HOUSEHOLDERS whose water was virtually cut off for seven days have now had it restored.

Twenty-two homes at or near Brambletree Cottages at Borstal near Rochester, had either no water, tiny trickles or water coming out in a filthy brown colour.

The cause was believed to be piping damaged during nearby Channel Tunnel Rail Link work.

With work in the area finished, the neighbouring A2/M2 widening contractors CSM Joint Venture laid temporary overground piping last night. Permanent underground piping is expected to be installed today.

One householder, Alan Bracken, said: "We are very grateful to CSM. The CTRL people are gone, so CSM stepped in and did the work although it really had nothing to do with them.

"This is the first time I have had a bath in my own house for seven days. Until now I have used my in-laws' bath or showered at the gym."

Other householders had to do the same and store bottled water for cooking and washing up and flush toilets with pond and rainwater.

Mr Bracken said the only problem now was that the water supply was slow-flowing because the last part of the piping was still old material and was furred up.

He added: "Southern Water has kept saying that this problem has not been their responsibility because it is private piping. But we think they should help because we are paying customers and CSM got involved when it wasn't their concern."'

Southern Water said it had sent officials to investigate and advised residents when the problem occurred.