Farleigh Lane will be partly closed between Gatling Lane and Tonbridge Road as urgent resurfacing works are carried out next week.

The work will start next Monday and the road will be closed for six working days between 9:30am and 3:30pm.

The announcement comes despite Maidstone firms being told everything will be done to keep the town open for business during major works to the bridge gyratory system.

KCC’s project manager Russell Boorman had previously promised there would be no other major roadworks permitted anywhere in the borough of Maidstone, and that KCC would liaise with other boroughs, such as Tonbridge and Malling, to make sure there weren’t delays on key routes such as Hermitage Lane.

Arriva bus services will be diverted along Glebe Lane and services are expected to be subject to delays.

Kevin Root, general manager of Arriva’s Maidstone depot, said: “Unfortunately these works will take place alongside the major works on the gyratory system in the town centre, even though we were assured that no works affecting bus routes would be undertaken at the same time.”

The road will be closed between the A26 Tonbridge Road and Gatland Lane to undertake much needed resurfacing works. A diversion will be in place along Glebe Lane, A26 Tonbridge Road and vice versa.

Mr Root added: “We are pleased the works in Farleigh Lane are taking place during the school holidays but regrettably diversions will be necessary and the 85/86 service plus Service 8, which runs between Maidstone Hospital and Downswood, will be subject to delays.

"Arriva would like to apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused and we are advising people to leave extra time for their journey. Unfortunately this situation is beyond our control and any delays will not be down to the drivers."

“We will be updating customers as frequently as possible via our Facebook and Twitter pages which will be the best place to seek the latest information.”