Road markings painted over potholes on Sheppey before they were repaired have been condemned as a waste of taxpayers' money.

White lines were repainted along Whiteway Road, Queenborough, despite the road being damaged. In some areas, the markings went down into craters.

Then, days later, the advertised road closure went ahead so the potholes could be filled in - leaving black patches over the new white lines.

Taxi driver Neil McLennan said: "It's shocking. Why can't they set it up where somebody does the potholes first and then paint the lines?

"However much it costs to fill in the lines on the road, they are going to have to do it again.

"Kent Highways is always saying, well we haven't got the money to repair the roads. Well stop wasting it then.

"It's really not rocket science."

A Kent Highways spokesman was initially unable to provide a response about why the lines were painted before the holes were filled.

He has since admitted the painting - also deemed essential maintenance - should have followed the repairs.

Mr McLennan also expressed his exasperation that potholes in Railway Road, Sheerness, have yet to be fixed despite a partial road closure being put in place on March 9 for three Sundays.

A highways worker filled this hole temporarily to make it safe to the public before the road could be completely repaired.

Mr McLennan said: "We have had two fantastic Sundays.

"Why didn't they do it on the first one. British weather is about as reliable as British trains, so why don't they do it on the first opportunity?"

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