HUNDREDS of homes and businesses across the Maidstone area were left without

water on Saturday after a burst water main cut off supplies.

Engineers at Mid-Kent Water were alerted shortly after 1.30pm after

noticing a sudden drop in pressure at its Forstal Road Pumping Station in

Allington.

The leak was sourced to a 16 inch main at the nearby Gabriel's Boat Yard.

The water company's switchboard received 1,400 calls from worried customers

during the afternoon.

Most homes were reconnected by 4pm although taps continued to run dry

in several areas of town for a further two hours.

Mid Kent Water spokesman Neve Arnett said: "The drain that burst was

quickly isolated with all water supplies restored by 6pm, last night.

"We are monitoring the situation to ensure it doesn't cause any further

problems with our distribution system.

"A few customers may have experienced interruptions to their supply as the

water was turned back on but there have been no further problems since last

night."

The cause of the burst is not yet known with a full investigation was due to

get underway Monday morning followed by repair.

Mrs Arnett added: "We would like to thank our customers for their

co-operation and apologise once again for any inconvenience."