A key road is closed in both directions as crews work to repair a burst water main.

The pipe burst at about 4pm just next to the A28 Canterbury Road between Church Lane (Ashford) and Wye Road (Kempes corner).

Despite repair staff quickly responding, when they arrived they discovered three trees which had grown directly over the location of the burst pipe.

Regional network manager for South East Water, Andy Beston, said: “We’re sorry for any disruption caused by the closure of the A28 Canterbury Road between Church Lane and Wye Road.

“We have been granted permission to remove the trees so that we are able to repair the burst main and to do so safely we have had to close this section of the road.

“We appreciate road users’ patience while we carry out this emergency work.

"We have been able to avoid any impacts to customer water supplies while we carry out the repair by diverting water around our network of pipes in the area.

“Customers can keep up to date on events in their area using our interactive online map here.”

It is not known when the road will re-open.

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