By Hayley Robinson

Traffic misery is set to continue in and around Sittingbourne as Southern Water carries out emergency repairs on a collapsed sewer.

The water firm had hoped to reopen Dover Street/West Street today but their hopes were dashed when the team discovered additional problems.

The closure of the one-way system has resulted in long delays for motorists during rush-hour. Traffic has been snarling up in St Michael’s Road, Eurolink Way, Milton Road, Mill Way and Bell Road as drivers try to get around town.

Arriva’s bus service has also been badly affected.

Richard Lewis, Arriva’s marketing manager, said: "The closure of Dover Street has caused considerable disruption to our services and this is having a knock-on effect as far away as Maidstone, Sheerness and Faversham as a result of the delays being experienced in Sittingbourne town centre and on the diversion routes.

"Our drivers are doing their best to run as near as possible to the timetable but this is very difficult and I would apologise to our customers who are experiencing delays which are totally beyond Arriva’s control."

A spokesman for Southern Water said: "We would like to apologise for the disruption and inconvenience that the closure of Dover Street at the junction with West Street is causing while this urgent work is under way.

"Our supplier Clancy Docwra is working as quickly as possible to repair the sewer which initial investigations have revealed to be damaged in five places.

"This emergency work is vital to ensure that properties
are protected from sewer flooding."

Further sewer damage has also been discovered along the diversion route in Avenue of Remembrance at the junction with Albany Road, where work has already been started.

The spokesman added: "We will need extra time to continue repair work in West Street. This will need to be negotiated with Kent Highway Services following the reopening to traffic of Dover Street.

"Our team is fully aware of the understandable concerns of residents and businesses, and at all times every attempt is being made to minimise the inconvenience.

"We are continuing to work closely with the Highway Services to ensure that traffic congestion is kept to a minimum."

The repairs are expected to be finished by February 5.