Villagers have told of their frustration after massive potholes appeared down a busy country road plagued by fly-tipping.

Many have reported significant damage to their cars in Skinney Lane, Horton Kirby, between Dartford and Sevenoaks with one hole measuring 53 inches.

Jackie Bell, of Rashleigh Way, was one of those affected after her tyre was split on December 23 and now avoids the area entirely.

The 64-year-old said: "If it had happened on Christmas Day it would have been a disaster, luckily I noticed it in time to get it fixed.

"We had only just replaced the two tyres a few days before as I had a nail in one of them which I think was from Skinney Lane too. It is just one of those things.

"I do not drive there as much, I go the other way through the village. It is only a couple of minutes out of my way but it is just a bit irritating."

She added: "There are always potholes in the dip in the lane and there is always rubbish being dumped there which you also have to manoeuvre around. It is annoying."

According to another resident Alan White there are two major potholes along Skinney Lane, which he reported to Kent County Council (KCC) on January 4.

He said the first measures 53 inches in length, 23 inches across and is around three inches deep. The other is covered by flood water.

Although visible in the daylight, Alan says they are impossible to make out in the dark and stretch across the middle of the lane, making them harder to avoid when driving.

The 55-year-old, of Lombard Street, believes the problems have only got worse throughout the villages of Horton Kirby and South Darenth due to a rise in farm vehicles using the local roads.

Mr White said: "The weight of the vehicles and the industrial size tyres is going to impact the road surface and when combined with the winter impact on the road surface, more potholes are being created.

"It is also a problem around here simply because it is in a valley and when it floods and the water freezes it creates more potholes to be churned up.

"We do have a lot of issues like this over the village. We have to do something about it."

Mr White, has lived in the village for 27 years and says these are the biggest potholes he has ever come across in the parish.

"I am aware that some drivers have damaged their tyres and wheels as a result of hitting these potholes," the bank worker added. "My neighbour was one of them.

"I drive a car and do not want to see my wheels damaged. I am worried it could happen, I am concerned about the size of these potholes."

KCC did complete a temporary repair on January 3 – the day before Alan reported it – but flooding in the area made it difficult for officers to assess the damage.

A further inspection is expected but no date has been set.

Fly-tipping has also become a significant problem in the same area with people dumping mattresses, cushions and other household waste in the lay-by next to the hole, says Alan.

A criminal investigation has since been launched by Sevenoaks council who are asking residents to come forward with any information.

A spokesman for the authority said: "We take fly-tipping very seriously and we have a dedicated investigation and enforcement team. Whenever the team has evidence from a fly-tipping incident, they will take action against those responsible.

"We have recorded two incidents of fly-tipping at this location, one in September and another in December 2022. Following the discovery of evidence in the December fly-tip, we have now started a criminal investigation.

"If any resident has information about this or any other fly-tipping incident, they can call us in confidence on 01732 227000.

"Residents can also help by making sure they use a registered waste carrier to dispose of their waste."

According to data published by insurance comparison site Go Compare Kent is the 'pothole capital of the UK' – click here to read some of the reasons why.

Elsewhere in the county, campaigners have called on KCC to fill more than 60 reported potholes as they claim their town has been plunged into a "pothole crisis".

Council officers did complete temporary repairs but these fell apart just four days after works was finished.

The problem in Tenterden has been described as "deadly serious" as more than 20 potholes appeared in one road.

Across Rainham, residents have also reported numerous potholes in Solomon Road, Wakeley Road, Farnham Close and Station Road.