Ten homes have had to be evacuated after a sinkhole opened up in Tonbridge Road.

A number of people living on the A26 Tonbridge Road near the Fountain Lane traffic light junction have told they could be out of their homes for weeks.

Maidstone council confirmed 10 homes have had to be vacated and currently four people are being housed in temporary accommodation.

The move comes after a sinkhole as deep as three metres and caused by a 240 sq metre void - just under the size than a tennis court - appeared in the middle of the road on Monday, May 28.

Houses running along the stretch of road are showing signs of damage as walls separating the property are cracked at the same place all along the terrace.

Speaking the day after the collapse Lewis West, 29, said he wasn't sure what was going to happen but believed he would be staying somewhere in the County Town.

He had returned to his home to gather his belongings before moving out.

"We haven't a clue what's going on at the moment, they have said we could be out of our homes for weeks to cover themselves but it could just be days", he said.

"I think it's more of a safety thing because of gas and water but we have had cracks appear in our walls inside too.

"It does make me worry about the house when we're being evacuated, it's never nice and we don't know what's going on. We just want answers.

"I hope the house is still standing when we get back", he added.

Others living on the street who did not wish to be named also said they were concerned about the impact the subsidence will have on the value of their homes.

Cllr Martin Cox, Leader of Maidstone Borough Council, said: "We understand10 properties have been affected by the sinkhole. The full extent of the situation is still being assessed.

"The safety and wellbeing of all residents affected is our primary concern. We are on site and are assessing those who may need temporary accommodation.

"We would like to reassure all residents we will do our very best to support them throughout this worrying time."

Reacting to news of the opening of a sinkhole Helen Grant, MP for Maidstone and the Weald said: "I am deeply concerned that another such significant sinkhole has opened up in a similar area of our town to that which appeared last month.

"I know that a small number of local residents have been directly impacted and if they feel there is anything I can do to assist then I would encourage them to contact me directly and I will, of course, do anything I can to help."

The MP has also asked Cllr Mike Whiting, Cabinet Member for Transport at Kent County Council to ensure travel delays are kept to a minimum and to consider if there is a reason why the sink holes have appeared in recent months.

A Kent County Council spokesman said: “Engineers have been liaising with Maidstone Borough Council Environmental Health regarding the opportunity to work extended hours and a meeting is scheduled with bus companies today to discuss how disruption to public transport can be minimised - particularly once the schools return from the half term break.

“Signage is trying to pick up as much traffic as possible at the A20 in Maidstone and divert it along the A20 London Road to the A228 Ashton Way/Malling Road to effectively bypass the closure at the A26 Tonbridge Road.

“A diversion will continue to be maintained close to the closure points to assist remaining traffic, and those wishing to access Maidstone Hospital, using Queens Road, the A20 London Road and Hermitage Lane.”