A bridge used by thousands of motorists every day has been suddenly shut due to a burst water main.

Blacksole Bridge which crosses over the railway in Herne Bay was closed at short notice yesterday afternoon.

South East Water has applied for emergency permission from Kent County Council to close the road and fix the leak.

It is hoped the carriageway - which links Altira Park and the A299 Thanet Way to Reculver and the east of the town - will reopen by 5pm on Friday.

No official diversion has been listed, though traffic can use Mickleburgh Hill, B2205 and A299 as a bypass.

The road itself is in a state of serious disrepair, with these works the first steps towards mending the road surface and any damage to the railway bridge.