Residents are demanding answers saying a leak has been bubbling from a water main for at least three months.

The approach to the A229 roundabout from Sandling Lane in Maidstone has been soaked in water bursting from a pavement cover spreading across the road.

Neighbours claim the fault has been reported by many to South East Water and the cover has spray painted blue to indicate the issue yet months on from it appearing the trickle remains pouring from the ground.

Christine Lazell, who lives in the road, says she first noticed the issue in March.

She said: “I think it has been there for three months now but a lot of my neighbours believe it’s been longer as they were worried about driving over black ice.

“And where it’s been painted they clearly know about it but nothing has been done.

“If it was just a trickle and left I’d perhaps be ok with that but it isn’t just a trickle.”

Bosses at South East Water today announced they had “no choice” but to introduce restrictions for its customers after demands for drinking water reached record highs this month.

A hosepipe ban has been put in place from today by the company.

Ms Lazell has always been conscious of water usage and has installed a rain catch in her garden reduce the amount of water needed from the mains, but with the announcement she feels more effort could be seen from the company.

“The thing is now they are issuing a hosepipe ban and saying how water is an essential resource and I agree when it is implicated to make sure it doesn’t run out but this leak is an absolute waste.

“It’s a public perception. If they can’t fix it then they should come out and say it.

“I don’t know the logistics of fixing it but people would be more understanding if they explained that but they aren’t doing that.”

Despite the leak Christine hasn’t had an issue with her taps.

The Running Horse Harvester pub also confirmed it has had no water issues.

South East Water has been contacted for a comment.