A road which was shut earlier this week because of a large sinkhole won’t reopen until after the new year.

After the four-metre hole appeared on Monday it was originally thought Gatland Road in Barming, near Maidstone, would be open by the end of the week.

Now, South East Water repair work for the damage, which was caused by a water burst pipe, won’t finish January 5.

The hole appeared at the junction with Farleigh Lane, with some drivers opting to drive over the grass verge rather than turn around.

Emma Young spotted the large void and said it was up to a metre and a half deep.

A large fence and barriers have since been put up where part of the carriageway and pavement collapsed.

Utility repair and maintenance works began just after midday the same day and have been in progress since.

Work was scheduled to finish today but has been extended for a further 14 days.

South East Water spokesman Andy Beston said: “We’re really sorry to customers and motorists in the Gatland Lane area of Barming for the ongoing inconvenience caused by the appearance of a sinkhole.

“Upon excavation, the repair has proven to be more complex than we had anticipated due to a number of issues such as the location of other utility infrastructure in the area, and so the road will now be closed until 5th January.”

MBC Councillor, Margaret Rose (Lab), who represents the Fant ward, said: “This will disrupt.

“There are other roads you can use, but of course, it’s very difficult, – It [the sinkhole] is at the top of the estate.”

But, some have cast doubts on how soon normality will return – Barming has garnered a reputation for sinkholes opening up.

Two years ago, one opened up along the carriageway of the A26 Tonbridge Road and took four weeks to repair.

Mr Beston added: “Our team will work as quickly and as safely as possible to repair the burst and return the road to its original state. as soon as we are able.”