More chaos is expected as fresh roadworks have begun in East Malling this week.

South East Water announced plans to dig up a diversionary route being used by traffic which can’t access the High Street.

Last week, gas firm SGN announced that works to replace pipes in the High Street would be extended for up to a month after the wet weather and tricky ground conditions caused unexpected problems for workers.

However, in an unexpected development the gas contractor announced it would be suspending works and replacing the road surface so the water upgrades can go ahead.

SGN will be returning to the village later this year to complete the works – meaning the High Street will be dug up again.

The latest roadworks – for the water company – started on Monday at the junction of The Rocks Road, Easterfields and Sweets Lane. South East Water estimates the upgrade, which will involve checking the condition of underground pipes, will take two weeks to complete.

The announcement comes as a blow to villagers and business owners who have been enduring a 10-mile diversion through Leybourne and Kings Hill while the High Street was closed over summer.

When schools returned last week one driver became stuck in a narrow country road for 20 minutes after coming up against six cars travelling in the other direction.

Steven Lockett, who lives in The Rocks Road, East Malling, said: “The works on the High Street have been poorly managed. I walk past most days to see just two workmen on the site.”

South East Water’s project manager Ben McKellar said: “Our work is essential to ensure water supplies are maintained for the future.

“Some of the pipes are more than 40 years old and may be reaching the end of their lifespan.

“We are aware there have been other contractors working in the area recently, and we will carry out the work quickly to keep disruption to a minimum.”

The road is expected to reopen on September 21.