Drivers were forced to take long diversions in two villages after roads were closed due to water leaks.

Cliffe and Borstal have been struggling with water shortages after the pipe leakages.

Southern Water engineers were working in Cooling Road, Cliffe, and the junction between Borstal Road, Borstal Street and Cookham Hill today.

The teams were at both locations overnight after receiving a call just before midnight.

Water supply was said to have been restored at around 6am.

However it cut off again at 9.48am in Cliffe.

Cooling Road was closed at the junction with Station Road and engineers returned to restart repairs.

Southern Water said: “We made a temporary repair to the first burst main in Cooling Road but a subsequent burst by the roundabout in Station Road has meant that we will unfortunately need to put traffic management measures in place which includes a road closure and diversion.

"Some customers close to the bursts may experience low pressure or no water during the repair itself.

"We are planning our work to minimise the impact but we're sorry for any inconvenience it will cause. We also thank road users for their patience."

The water supply was restored at 5am today.

Station Road is open with temporary traffic lights but Cooling Road remains closed.

Meanwhile, in Borstal water supply is fully restored but roads remain closed to traffic for repairs.

Borstal Street and Cookham Hill was closed to the traffic, since 4pm on Monday.

Motorists were diverted via Shorts Way, Esplanade, A2, Victoria Street, East Rowe, Maidstone Road & Priestfields.

The 155 bus service to Maidstone was also diverted.

All Borstal roads reopened last night and the bus service has resumed its normal route.