A main road is to be closed for up to eight days after three sinkholes appeared over three days just metres from a collapsed cliff.

The first crevice was spotted on Friday morning near to fences which close off Galley Hill Road in Swanscombe which has been shut for 18 months after part of the road crumbled.

Yesterday, two more holes appeared at the top of All Saints’ Close off Swanscombe High Street and just a short distance from the first cavity.

Graham Taylor, who represents Greenhithe and Swanscombe Residents’ Association, said: “I was onsite all Sunday afternoon with the KCC Highways Officer who was called in to investigate the latest sinkhole.

“It runs diagonally across the road and potentially under the opposite carriageway, which was being used for one-way traffic.

“KCC asked Arriva to suspend the bus service as they could not be sure how strong the road surface was until they had inspected it.

“On further inspection, the KCC Highways officer decided to close the road completely.”

Dartford MP Jim Dickson (Lab) said rapid action needs to be taken to deal with the issue.

He said: “I am urging KCC and Thames Water to get this work done as soon as possible.

“There is a big problem with roads in that area and we really need investment by the government and KCC.

“It is creating a very unacceptable situation for Swanscombe.”

Mr Dickson said he was hoping to welcome Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood in Swanscombe later this week to show her the issue and urge a greater investment in getting things fixed.

He said: “We need a review of how we create suitable roads in the Swanscombe area in the future.

“If we don’t, this is going to be happening time and time again.”

A spokesperson for Kent County Council (KCC) said: "KCC was notified of a collapsed section of carriageway on High Street, Swanscombe, on September 8.

“The road was immediately closed to ensure the safety of the public and investigations are currently taking place to find the cause of the collapse.

“We apologise for the disruption this is causing but the safety of residents is paramount."

Thames Water, which has been involved in the Galley Hill Road project, has been approached for comment.

The road is due to open on September 15.