A busy route running through the centre of a Kent town has been sealed off for emergency works - sparking fears of "absolute road chaos".

High Street in Herne Bay was closed yesterday outside the Texaco garage as Southern Water steps up a utility repair and maintenance project along the thoroughfare.

The works, which started last started last Tuesday, were originally expected to come to an end on January 20, with temporary traffic lights allowing vehicles to continue using the stretch.

But the firm has now taken the decision to shut it in both directions near the petrol station, after pushing the completion date back seven days.

Residents have since taken to social media to detail the levels of disruption the project is causing.

One Facebook user said: "Absolute chaos.

"I've saw tanker had to reverse up High Street and two buses reverse into the seaside of nearby Station Road."

Another local says it was "chaos" yesterday morning, with drivers having to "turn around at the 'road closed' sign".

Stagecoach bosses say buses will be diverted along King's Road in both "due to the emergency closure".

They also stress teams "are in the process of placing a temporary stop near the entrance of Memorial Park for passengers to board and alight".

Southern Water officials insist staff are "working as quickly as possible" to reopen High Street.

A spokesman for the firm said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the roadworks in Herne Bay.

"These are in place while we carry out urgent works.

"Our teams are working as quickly as possible, so the road can fully reopen by 27 January as planned.”

Traffic website one.network warns "delays are likely" in the area.

It is understood there is no access to Richmond Street from its junctions with High Street due to the closure.