A £400,000 project will see an ageing water pipe replaced with a new one.

One of South East Water's pipes in Sevenoaks bas been prone to burst for years, but will finally be replaced next month.

The project is due to begin on Wednesday, February 23 and will replace 1.5km of drinking water mains in Bowzell Road.

This project forms part of South East Water’s £433 million investment programme between 2020 and 2025.

Project manager Jeremy Dufour said: "The existing main has suffered nine bursts in the last five years which have resulted in disruptive repairs, low pressure or no water for residents.

"As the local provider of drinking water direct to taps for more than 100 years, this is unacceptable to us.

“As a result, we are making a major investment to reduce the likelihood of problems occurring in the future by laying a new section of pipeline between Long Barn Road and Bayley’s Hill.

'Our team will work as quickly and safely as possible...'

"This will protect top-quality drinking water supplies for the local community for years to come.”

Work is expected to take five months to complete and, as a safety precaution, Bowzell Road and a section of Long Barn Road will be closed in phases to through traffic while the work is taking place, with a diversion in operation.

Access to homes and businesses will be maintained at all times.

Mr Dufour added: “Road closures are always a last resort but this is vital to ensure the safety of our team and the public while we install the new pipe.

"Our team will work as quickly and safely as possible to complete the project as soon as possible.

“I would like to thank the local community in advance for their patience and understanding while we carry out this essential work."

Find out more here.