Campaigners who are appealing for urgent action over eroding cliffs in Eastchurch face a new problem – a water leak.

They say for nearly three weeks a spring has sprung on the corner of Surf Crescent and Third Avenue.

Complaints have been made to Southern Water and inspectors were called to the incident.

But Malcolm Newell, Eastchurch Cliff Erosion Group’s leader, said the leak continued to gush and he threatened to take drastic measures if it wasn’t rectified soon.

He said: “It’s disgusting. We’re thinking about not paying our water bill until it’s fixed, and maybe even taking legal action.

“We need something done – and fast.

“There’s water running everywhere, and the road, which residents’ paid to have resurfaced ourselves because it’s un-appointed, has become filthy and dirty because of it.

“There’s also two big dips in the road where cars have been driving over the damaged surface.”

Mr Newell, 65, a retired woodturner, who lives in Surf Crescent, said his first complaint to Southern Water was about a hole created by inspectors following their initial explorations.

He said it had since been covered over, but there had been no let-up in the leak.

“Southern Water confirmed to me it’s fresh water running out of there,” Mr Newell said.

“We paid £3,000 to have the road resurfaced earlier this year – now look at it.

“We have to pay for our water in this country, but the service we’re getting here isn’t worth a penny.”

A Southern Water spokesman said it was investigating the incident. She said: “One method we use to detect leaks is the traditional and effective technique of using listening sticks.

“However, in this part of Kent the pipes are plastic, which can make finding leaks in this way more difficult than if they were made of metal.

“As part of our investigation we are also looking into whether the water is coming from a natural source.

“We have liaised with residents and will continue to do so until our investigations are complete.”