A busy route will be shut to traffic for almost a week due to a faulty water main that's burst 19 times in five years.

The B2163 in Leeds will be closed for six days from April 6 by South East Water.

The road is used by people accessing the A20 and the M20 from the A274 at Langley but has been dogged by closures over the years due to the burst main.

The water company, which will be digging 'trial holes' next month ahead of work to replace the pipe next year, apologised for the inconvenience.

Project manager Jeremy Dufour said: “We know how disruptive it is to the local community when a pipeline fails, not only for residents, but for those motorists who are inconvenienced by the repair work.

“By undertaking this investigation work now we can precisely plan the route of the new pipeline when it is installed next year.

“I am sorry for any disruption this road closure may cause and would like to thank residents and road users for their patience while we carry out this essential work.”

Upper Street will be closed between Burgess Hall Drive and Leeds and Broomfield Church of England Primary School.

A diversion will be in place via the A274, Willington Street and the A20.

It comes after Forge Lane in Leeds was shut today due to South East Water repairs.

Avoid getting stuck on Kent's roads by keeping up-to-date on all of the latest traffic and travel news here or by following our live blog.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone