Sheppey's water will keep flowing from the taps despite the fact the pipe that burst on the A249 carries the island's supply.

The dual carriageway was shut on Monday night after water from the damaged main poured onto the road at Bobbing, resulting in miles of traffic tailbacks.

It is likely to remain closed until Sunday while it is repaired.

Miles of pipework, including the damaged section, is under the A249 and crosses The Swale at the Kingsferry Bridge.

A Southern Water spokesman said: "The burst has occurred on the 18-inch water main that supplies the Isle of Sheppey.

"Water supply has not been affected and we would like to reassure our customers that we have a contingency plan in place to ensure we can continue to supply water as usual.

"The water main is approximately 20 metres below ground so our crews are working in the area around the highway.

"We are working as quickly as possible to resolve this issue."

The burst main is near the slip road off the Sheppey-bound A249 at Bobbing.

It was initially police who ordered the closure of the route due to concerns for the safety of drivers.

Highways England, the Government company in charge of the road, says there is a possibility of severe flooding in the A2 underpass if its drainage pumps failed.

Diversion signs were due to be put up last night, with traffic being brought off the A249 at Key Street and onto Sheppey Way.

Gordon Henderson MP said he had concerns about the length of time it would take to carry out the necessary repairs.

"Obviously I am very unhappy that the A249 could be closed for such a long period because it is causing chaos in the Sittingbourne area," he said.

Kevin Wardle, general manager at the Garden of England Crematorium at Bobbing, which is just north of the closed section, said yesterday's ceremonies went ahead with minimal disruption.

He added: "We are being proactive and advising anyone who is having a funeral here, through the funeral directors, that there might be a problem for a couple of days."