Works to install new water mains which are expected to last four months have begun in Maidstone town centre.

The £155,000 project by South East Water began in Week Street this morning, after preparations began yesterday.

The pipeline upgrading comes as the town centre saw 13 burst water mains since 2010.

Work will start in Week Street and continue into Earl Street.

Delivery manager for South East Water, Chris Love, said: "The first day of a project like this is spent with contractor briefings and equipment, such as safety fencing and barriers, being brought to site.

"Our contractor has put up barriers and fencing ensuring the area is safe and secure.

"Our contractor will then begin dipping the trench ready for the first section of pipeline to be installed in the coming days."

The scheme forms part of the company's £390m programme of investment between 2010 and 2015.