A resident was left horrified after witnessing a large lorry plough into her front wall amid a "perfect storm" of traffic problems.

Tanya Banks, of Galley Hill Road, Northfleet, was looking out her living room window when she saw the HGV collide with the entrance to her home.

The vehicle had been attempting to perform a u-turn on the busy A-road, at the junction with Snowden Hill.

It follows its part closure owing to a cliff collapse nearby in Swanscombe last Monday.

But the mother of two, who has lived on the corner for 21 years, says the accident could have been prevented if the traffic was better managed.

She said: "I saw it happen just as the lorry hit the wall. But I don't blame the driver as it's impossible to turn round there.

"They keep saying they have the correct signs out but one broken 'Not suitable for HGVs' sign and a cone hardly does the trick. And the diversion sign is past the roundabout so it's too late by then."

Tanya added: "There needs to be actual concrete barriers at the bottom of Galley Hill Road by the traffic lights which only allow cars through. Then the lorries can turn down Barney Sands which is better equipped for them."

The road is expected to be closed for "considerable amount of time" while Thames Water and other agencies involved investigate.

Returning school traffic has sparked concerns of a "perfect storm" of problems with residents currently facing HGVs and lorries making their way through narrow residential streets as they avoid the main road.

After the initial chaos last week, which saw residents coming out of the houses to help marshal the traffic, electronic signs have now been placed at the entrances to Galley Hill Road, advising of an alternative route via the A2.

It comes after "not suitable for HGV" signs at the junction of Knockhall Road in Greenhithe were obscured by foliage and appeared to give oncoming motorists inaccurate information.

But one resident, who did not wish to be named, told KentOnline the situation was becoming dangerous.

"Local residents stepping in to try and get things flowing down Swanscombe Street is going to end up with someone getting hurt," they said.

"It has got to be managed better. Swanscombe should not be a cut through because the London Road is closed or there are issues on the A2."

Kent County Councillor Peter Harman wants to see more action taken so that lorries are following approved diversion routes and not getting stuck in residential roads.

He said: "It is very difficult when a small number of lorry drivers ignore signed diversion routes and get themselves stuck."

In an attempt to help control the traffic the road closure and alternate routes have been plotted on to website one.network to assist with directing drivers away from the area.

Bus diversions have also been put in place with no stopping at Ebbsfleet Football Ground, the George and Dragon pub, Taunton Road and Craylands Lane.

A Thames Water spokesperson said: “A diversion route is in place which has clear signage for HGVs and residents and we will continue to monitor, review and mitigate any issues which may arise while it remains in use.”