Drivers are having to use a lengthy diversion after a 12-day closure of the A20 in Ashford started this morning.

Highways bosses have shut the stretch between the Pilgrims Hospice and Tesco Extra in both directions, sending motorists on an alternative route via the A2070.

Contractors have been working in the area for months, with drivers forced to put up with temporary traffic lights and delays amid construction of the nearby Junction 10a scheme.

But Highways England has now had to shut part of the road completely to "address concerns about water draining from the footpath and carriageway more slowly than expected".

The closure will run until Friday, December 4, but bosses say access for all residents between the hospice and Tesco will be maintained.

As well as drainage improvements, contractors will also adjust the traffic islands along the stretch.

In January, the same route was closed to allow workers to install gas mains and an electricity network for the 192-home Hinxhill Park scheme.

At the Junction 10a roundabout itself, contractors will be working on improving the reliability of the traffic lights.

Over the next two weeks, they will be installing a new cable which will run through a ducted system installed along the verge of Kingsford Street.

While carrying out the works, they will also improve the drainage on the footpath in Kingsford Street, which regularly becomes flooded.

Frustrated resident Graeme Cook says the path - which was only installed last year as part of the £104m junction project ­­- needs urgent attention.

"When it is flooded, it's impassable for my wife as she uses a mobility scooter," he said.

"The whole design is completely wrong and, at this time of year, it floods almost every time it rains.

"You shouldn't have to walk in the road to avoid it. I am a landscaper by trade and you just need to look at it to see there's going to be an issue.

"It will only get worse in the winter when it could flood across the whole road."

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