Two new pipelines carrying water to the Isle of Sheppey will be installed as soon as possible after its supplies were cut off last month.

A major incident was declared by Swale Council in July after around 30,000 people were left without water on the Island.

The Sheppey Crossing was closed, during one of the county's many heatwaves this summer, for a temporary high-volume water pump and 5km of hose to be installed.

It happened after the single 18 inch pipeline running water from mainland Kent to the Sheppey was damaged.

Now, Southern Water bosses are looking to install two new pipes under The Swale as soon as possible.

A spokesman said: "We are working to secure the relevant consents and permissions to carry out the work after which we will be able to provide further information on likely timescales.

"We will keep you informed on our progress with regular updates."

Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson (Con) was delighted to see plans for work in progress.

He said: "I am delighted that Southern Water has listened to my concerns, and those of other Islanders, and are planning to install two new pipelines to the Isle of Sheppey.

"I appreciate that this will be a major construction exercise that will not happen overnight, but I will be doing everything that I can to ensure the necessary planning consent, and other permissions, are granted without delay.

"Once laid these two new main pipes should provide Island residents and businesses with the reassurance that they will never again face the prospect of being cut off from a water supply when the main water link with the mainland goes down."

People on the Island were left without water for days as collection sites were set up in Leysdown behind an amusement arcade in the Promenade, at one of the Eastchurch prisons, Tesco in Sheerness and Minster Working Men’s Club.

Kent Search and Rescue volunteers used Neats Court retail park to distribute an estimated 18,000 litres of water in bottles across the Island.

Southern Water apologised after admitting it took longer than expected to restore supplies in what was one of the hottest weeks on record.

Kent County Council said all its buildings including schools, libraries, children’s centres, and the Sheerness Gateway had to close because of the water shortage.

Welcoming the announcement of the new pipes, Cllr Cameron Beart (Con), who represents Queenborough and Halfway on Swale council, said: "This is fantastic news and an update I very much welcome.

"This much-needed investment in the local infrastructure is long overdue and I hope it will now be delivered as soon as possible."