A large pothole which "popped three car tyres" has been repaired after three months – but it's still only a temporary fix.

The damage to cobblestones along Sittingbourne High Street was first reported in November but Kent County Council (KCC) has only just opted for a temporary asphalt fix.

Ward councillor Ken Rowles (Lab) fears that without proper maintenance, the situation is only going to get worse.

He said: "All the old cobblestones along the High Street need a completely fresh look and repair, especially as it is used as a highway through the town.

"The cobblestones are fine if they are maintained annually.

"But with all the heavy rain we have been having, it can't just be left."

Sittingbourne High Street is a combination of asphalt stretches, ornately placed bricks and old cobblestones.

However, due to the age of the cobblestones wear and tear over the years has seen them become loose.

Cllr Rowles added: "Lots of the drains along the High Street are blocked as well so when there is heavy rain they flood, and the loose cobblestones just sit in the puddles.

"It got so bad during that torrential rain at the beginning of January that motorists actually moved the stones leaving a huge and dangerous hole."

On Sunday, January 8, one driver took to social media to warn others about the problem.

He posted: "Please be careful driving down Sittingbourne High Street.

"The part of the road just past the old Burton shop has missing bricks now, which is causing quite a large hole.

"It has popped three car's tyres, so please slow down and try to avoid it.

"Even with the 20mph speed limit, it is still causing damage to vehicles."

Cllr Rowles says he has noticed that other cobblestoned sections are also looking worse for wear.

He said: "If KCC isn't going to maintain the cobblestones, it is probably easier if all those sections of the road are removed and smoothed over."

The pothole was temporarily repaired on Thursday, January 12.

A KCC spokesman said: “Our highways maintenance team has completed a temporary repair in Sittingbourne High Street.

“A permanent repair will be scheduled in due course.”