Hundreds have been left without water overnight after pipes burst – leaving the area’s main road closed and flooded.

Parts of South East Water’s network in Chestfield, near Whitstable, suffered huge leaks triggering a deluge of water to gush through roads.

The utility giant has apologised to those affected by the “complex” issue and admitted it is unable to give an estimated completion time.

Reports of a drop in water pressure first came in on Tuesday afternoon as many people found themselves unable to access water.

The Chestfield Road leak has since been repaired after emergency workers pumped away excess water, however, low water pressure could remain for some time.

The leak in Polo Way discharge is a separate incident, which has already been reported to South East Water, with crews remaining on site.

Temporary traffic lights are in place on Polo Way while Chestfield Road, which leads to the Old Thanet Way, remains closed before Grasmere Road.

South East Water’s regional operations manager, Andy Beston said: “We’re sorry to the residents in the Chestfield area who experienced no water or low pressure caused by a burst main.

“We were first informed that around 50 properties were affected at 4:30 this morning. We have moved water around the network to ensure customers' water supplies are returned and currently all customers have their supply.

“However, these supplies may be intermittent while we carry out repairs.

“This repair is proving quite complex and has required us to close the road to keep the public and our teams safe.

“We understand this can be frustrating, but we urge residents to adhere to the road closures and follow the diversion signs for everyone’s safety.

“We are working as quickly as possible to repair the main and return the road surface to its original state. This may take a few days while the road surface cures.

“We thank you for your patience while we complete these repairs.”

Updates can be found via the firm’s website.

City councillor James Flanagan (Lib Dem) says he has telephoned the firm at least four times in the past 24 hours to report the problem.

He told KentOnline: “It’s of huge importance this is fixed quickly, and I will continue to call South East Water to ensure this is fixed.

“It’s an enormous issue, and it’s caused quite a lot of concern.

“When you look at the size of Chestfield, to have both the Whitstable and Herne Bay side of the village affected you can see how big it is.”