Motorists are being warned of a diversion likely to last “into the weekend” after a burst pipe left homes without water.

Several properties along a section of New Road Avenue, Chatham, reported outages last night (October 16) as utility workers worked through the night to fix a broken pipe.

Southern Water said work is continuing for the next few days “due to the extent of work needed to make the area safe”.

The road is closed on the bridge section above Railway Street in both directions.

Bus operator Arriva confirmed major delays on routes 101, 176 and Strood-bound services.

The diversion route for traffic between Rochester and Chatham-bound is via City Way, Horstead Way, Maidstone Road, Railway Street, Gibraltar Hill and New Road Avenue.

A Southern Water spokesman said: “We worked through the night to make a repair to a burst water main in New Road Avenue, Chatham.

“We rerouted water around the burst but 30 properties were out of water during the night - all are back in supply now.

“All properties are back in normal supply after a fix was completely overnight.

“However, a section of New Road Avenue will remain closed, likely into the weekend, due to the extent of work still needed to make the area safe.

“A diversion route is in place, assisted by traffic management. We're sorry for the inconvenience."