Angry villagers say unexpected roadworks are causing chaos, as motorists ignore temporary road signs.

South East Water has started work in Pluckley Road in the village of Charing near Ashford, which is a route used by traffic and lorries getting between the Wealden villages and the A20.

But resident Lucy Simmons says there has been no information to residents about the four-day road closure this week.

She said: “The signage is so poor, and we’ve got four days of this. It’s a designated lorry route and a route for the emergency services to reach the motorway. We’ve had no information about the road closure.

“Now residents are having HGVs trying to turn in the road and onto their driveways. One sign has been put up, but traffic continues to go towards Charing, only to find the road is closed.”

Ms Simmons said she has resorted to making her own sign to emphasise the fact that the road “really is shut” further ahead, in the hope that motorists will take heed.

South East Water area coordinator Chris Hollamby said: “Our teams are working to connect six new properties to our water main within Pluckley Road.

“The safety of both the public and our workforce is our top priority during this work and the decision to close the road was not taken lightly. Ahead of the project, advanced warning signs were displayed and residents written to.

“I would like to thank the majority of drivers who are following the signed diversion route and strongly urge those motorists who are driving through the construction site - putting both themselves and others in danger - to begin following the signs for their safety.”