Workers are attempting to extract thousands of litres of water which has leaked into a gas supply following a huge explosion on Friday.

More than 3,000 litres have been removed, with engineers from SGN managing to reintroduce gas to two-thirds of the network as they work on the damaged main near the Estuary View Business Park off the Old Thanet Way.

The company says supplies should be returning for properties in and around Speedwell Road, Favourite Road and Warden Point Way, but has warned that customers should not try to use gas until an engineer had visited.

SGN, which had been carrying out engineering work on behalf of owners GTC Pipelines, said the gas ignited just after 10pm while workers were trying to repair a damaged main.

It took crews five hours to bring the inferno under control and gas supplies were isolated to make the situation safe and as a result approximately 600 properties were affected.

Extra support was drafted in and engineers continue to make street-by-street safety checks and visits to affected homes before the gas supply is turned back on at the meter.

But engineers have identified another hurdle and are having to remove thousands of litres of water as a result of the fire.

This morning they are clearing the final

An SGN spokesman said: "Our engineers have been working throughout the night to remove the water which got into the network as a result of the fire on Friday and we've been able to begin reintroducing gas into another section of the affected network.

"This means we will be able to begin restoring gas supplies in the Dargate Road area later this morning and we've brought in extra engineers to help with the restoration process.

"This morning our teams are also continuing to remove the final pockets of water from the gas main supplying the Church Lane area but we're hopeful we'll be able to reintroduce gas into this part of the network this afternoon.

"We really appreciate your patience and understanding and would like to reassure you we’re doing everything we can to restore gas supplies to every property as soon as possible."

The explosion left two workmen injured - one in hospital with burns to his face and legs but with injuries not thought to be life-threatening.

Traffic delays are no longer a problem along the A2990 Old Thanet Way.

Yesterday morning the Whitstable slip-road next to the Seasalter exit was closed with vehicles diverted via the A299 Thanet Way.

The A2990 was also closed from the slip-road to the Long Reach roundabout and had temporary traffic lights put in place at the Borstal Hill end yesterday afternoon.

The temporary traffic lights were removed and the slip-road was reopened this morning.

SGN continues to make repairs to the damaged main opposite The Oaze residential area.

A spokesman said: "It's very important you don't try to use gas until an engineer has visited your property.

"If you're out when the engineers calls they will leave a postcard. Please call the number on the postcard, 0800 912 1717, when you return and we will arrange for an engineer to revisit your property as quickly as we can."

SGN's 24-hour customer service team is available on 0800 912 1717.