Emergency gas leak repairs have forced a main road to close in both directions.

The A258 London Road in Deal is being closed for up to 10 days as SGN undergo gas escape works.

The road will be shut between St Leonard's Church and Fiveways Rise as the repairs take place between Mongeham Road and Manor Road.

Kent County Council have said the closure will go on for up to 10 days; they started yesterday (Tuesday).

A signed diversion route via the A258, A256, A2 and A258 is in place for affected traffic and access for residents and businesses around the closure area will be maintained throughout.

Temporary traffic lights had previously been in operation at the site, but SGN took the decision to fully close the road.

Dan Brown, spokesperson for SGN, said: "We're continuing to carry out urgent repairs to our gas network outside 379 London Road in Deal.

"Temporary traffic lights had been in operation around our work area to keep everyone safe.

"However, yesterday afternoon, we needed to close London Road to motorists in both directions around our site, enabling our engineers to access and repair the leaks on our affected pipes.

"It's still unclear how long it will take to make the required repairs, but we're working 24 hours a day to complete this as quickly and safely as possible.

"Kent County Council had overnight closures and diversions along this route planned. These have now been postponed until this essential emergency work has been completed."