A road already blighted by a sinkhole is set for six weeks of separate works as gas piping is replaced.

SGN are set to dig up Tonbridge Road just metres away from Barming’s sinkhole as they re-lay piping they expect to last more than 80 years.

Works on the gas network started today with temporary traffic lights being put in place between Cherry Orchard Way and Stanford Drive.

The lights will be operated manually from Monday to Saturday during a 12-hour period.

Motorists travelling from Barming to Maidstone already face a five-mile diversion due to Gatland Lane being shut by Kent Highways and more chaos is expected to ensue with the latest announcement of works.