Drivers have been told to seek alternative routes after a gas leak forced a main road to close.

Emergency repairs carried out in London Road, Canterbury, outside the Eight Bells pub, are expected to last until January 5.

Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes via the A2050 Harbledown by-pass, Palmars Cross Hill, Rough Common Road, Whitstable Road and St Thomas Hill.

SGN shut the road on December 29.

A spokesman for Kent County Council said: “The environmental weight limit on Rough Common Road and Palmars Cross Hill will be suspended to allow for use by diverted traffic.

“This is to enable emergency gas escape works to be carried out by SGN.”