Work to renew a three-mile-long stretch of gas main along one of Kent's busiest roads has been postponed until next year.

Replacement of the fragile metal pipe under the A2 at Newington near Sittingbourne was to have started on Monday, September 16 for 42 weeks after a record 20 leaks led to long road closures in July.

News of the delay was broken to villagers yesterday by Swale and Kent county councillor Mike Whiting.

Gas company SGN says it needs more time to plan for "complex traffic management" but warns increased demand during the winter could lead to another string of emergency repairs bringing a repeat of traffic delays.

Cllr Whiting admitted: "SGN points out the risk of emergency works if the pipe leaks, as it did before, but I am told those risks have been assessed.

"It is good they are taking the views of residents seriously in trying to ensure time for the best possible traffic management plan."

In a letter to Cllr Whiting the gas company said: "Some sections of this main may not survive the higher pressure demands of the autumn and may become emergencies. We are all aware this is a risk and will need to see what happens."

News of the delay follows a packed meeting of residents, businesses, police and Kent Highways officials at Newington village hall last month when SGN engineers revealed the full extent of the work needed to replace the 90-year-old main with a plastic pipe under one of Kent's busiest roads.

The new pipe, which will stretch nearly three miles (4.46km) from Oak Lane to Key Street roundabout, will cost £1.85 million but should last 80 years.

Work will begin at Oak Lane. It is not planned to close the road but temporary traffic lights will be installed and some side roads may be shut.

Contractors will work six days a week with reinstatement on Sundays.

Cllr Whiting said: "SGN, their contractor, KCC Highways and Kent Police all plan to work together to minimise disruption to residents and businesses."

Residents are worried about the high number of HGVs using the A2 and problems when lorries try to use narrow country lanes as diversions. They have demanded better signage of road works and extra police enforcement to deal with drivers who ignore directions.

KCC has postponed planned resurfacing of the road until all repair work is finished.

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne