Work to repair a sinkhole has not come to a stop, South East Water has assured residents.

A section of Hildenborough Crescent in Allington, Maidstone, has been closed to traffic for a month after a void appeared near the junction with Chilham Road at the start of July.

The hole seemed a repeat of one that had occurred in the same spot in October of last year.

Residents complained that they hadn’t seen anyone working on the site for several days, but a spokesman for South East Water said: “There are various works being carried out around Hildenborough Crescent to repair some minor leaks.

“All of these works need to be completed first before work on the sinkhole can be completed.

“We have been working nearby today. We can assure residents that although we are not working at this exact site currently, there is work being done in the area, and it will be completed soon.”

South East Water has permission from KCC to keep the road closed until August 25.

Stuart Jeffery (Green) is the ward councillor for Bridge Ward. He said: “The repairs must be made as soon as possible so that access is restored. A month is just too long,”

Allington residents are already frustrated after a series of road closures in the area caused by broadband provider CityFibre laying new cables.

London Road, Allington Way and Queen’s Road have all been affected.

It is part of the firm’s ambition to bring full-fibre technology – and faster broadband speeds – to the whole of Maidstone by 2027.

Queen’s Road, which is a key connecting route between the A26 Tonbridge Road and the A20 London Road, is expected to be closed in moving stages for a period of nine months, until April of next year.