Residents of a block of flats in Maidstone were left without water for four days.

The supply was cut off in Sandling Park on Friday evening, and left residents of 95 flats without water.

Emily Powell, one of the residents affected, said people were in "a desperate situation".

She added: "People aren't able to have a shower or use the toilet. Some residents had to move elsewhere until the issue was resolved, but others don't have that option."

The block of flats is on private property, so the water network is not maintained by South East Water.

The water company did however provide bottled water to residents free of charge, but were not involved with fixing the problem.

The Sandling Lane flats are managed by Nationspaces Developments Ltd, based in Glasgow.

Ralph Syme, a spokesman for the management company, said: "We got a call on Friday afternoon about a leak which was going through into a communal cupboard in the flats.

"To prevent the risk of a fire, we isolated the power supply, but unfortunately that power supply controls the pump for the pressurised water system.

"We had contractors on site over the weekend and again today to find the cause of the leak and to fix it, and the supply was put back on around 10am.

"We apologise again for the stress and inconvenience that the residents have suffered during this unfortunate water leak causing the electrics and pumps being shut down."

But residents are also concerned that they're going to have to pay for repairs, despite paying an annual service charge to maintain the building.

Miss Powell said: "We have to pay a service charge, which is supposed to go to fixing things like this, but I've been told I might have to pay more towards repairs."

Terry Cunningham, another resident, said: "I've seen signs on the doors into the blocks saying the water could be out for seven to 10 days, which is unacceptable.

"We're paying this service charge but we're not getting anything from it when we need it. I don't know why they couldn't isolate the water to one block rather than all 95 flats being affected."

Mr Syme responded to these concerns, saying: "The service charge is an annual amount that covers all aspects of maintaining the three blocks.

"This includes cleaning in communal areas, landscaping of the grounds, and glass cleaning. On top of that there are lifts in each block, and electric gates that need maintaining.

"If we overspend on the budget, we do have to ask for more money unfortunately."