Five properties in Redwall Lane, Linton, are still without power following a traffic accident this morning.

A 44-ton lorry travelling from Linton Hill towards Hunton lost control when the driver hit a sheet ice on a bend in the road.

The lorry, with its load of pallets, careered into an electricity post, knocking it over, before ending up in the ditch.

Initially the electricity had to be turned off to 31 properties for safety reasons while the vehicle was recovered, but most were reconnected within two hours.

The accident happened at around 8.50am.

A large crane was necessary to lift the vehicle out of the ditch, a task completed around midday.

Five properties are still without power, although one vulnerable couple who are shielding because of health issues, have been provided with a generator as a temporary substitute.

Kathleen Moore, 72, and her husband Christopher, 71, were full of praise for the staff of UK Power Networks.

Mrs Moore said: "They were very good and ensured they took all safety measures and observed social distancing as they installed the generator for us."

"There has been standing water on that corner all year, and of course now its freezing in the mornings."

The couple, who have lived in their home since 1976, said the whole area was suffering from flooding and surface water since a spate of development along the road last year.

Mr Moore said: "For 44 years there was no flooding, then last year the fire brigade had to be called out four times - twice to flooded homes and twice to cars stuck in a flood."

A spokesman for UK Power Networks said: "Our engineers are working as quickly as possible to restore electricity supplies to the remaining homes."

Residents have been told that might be around 8pm.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

Read more: All the latest news from Weald