by Keyan Milanian

A burst water main left some 200 properties in Chattenden without water yesterday (Monday) morning.

The 6in pipe burst in the early hours of Monday morning and Southern Water was forced to send engineers to repair the damage.

Supplies were cut while repairs were carried out, leaving approximately 200 homes around the Chattenden estate without water.

Sharon Reach, who lives in Lodge Hill Lane, said: "They just turned off the supply without any notice and I woke to drilling outside my home at 2am so I haven't slept."

A spokesperson for the company said: "Firstly, we wish to apologise for the problems and disruption caused to our customers following the unexpected burst of a 6in water main in Chattenden Lane, near Strood, Rochester.

"It is a priority for Southern Water to repair leaks as quickly as possible and we immediately sent crews out on site to resolve the problem. The burst was initially difficult to locate, but our team has been working round the clock to resolve it.

"While incidents of this nature are unpredictable, we always endeavour to do all we can to reduce the risk of similar problems again. A representative from our engineering team will be contacting our customers to explain the situation."

Repairs were completed at approximately 12:15pm.

Customers are urged to call the company's freephone leakline on 0800 820999 if they spot a leak.