Some parts of Sheppey were facing a double-whammy today.

As well as being without water, many homes had been told to expect a power cut from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

But UK Power Networks abandoned the work when they heard of the water shortage.

A spokeswoman said: "We were due to turn off power supplies to 34 customers on the Isle of Sheppey today to replace some overhead electricity lines and poles as part of a planned upgrade, having notified residents in advance.

"Once we were aware that residents were without water we cancelled the work, which will be rescheduled. Some of these customers experienced a brief interruption at 9.30am lasting a few minutes before all supplies were restored."

Work was to have taken place in Scrapsgate Road, Minster, but UK Power Networks map suggested more areas could have been affected.

Resident Robert Harris said: "This is a double-whammy for Islanders. We should be complaining to the highest levels in both companies and get some heads bashed together to co ordinate the response to our Third World Island management.

"I’m sure lots of people are working hard to resolve the water issue although I’m sure there is not just one pipe bring water to the Island. I saw four pipes being installed during the construction of the new dual carriage way 15 years ago when the new bridge was in construction. An in-depth investigation should carried."

Tim Mr Bell, who lives in Scrapsgate Road, said: "In an emergency like this, Swale council and the town and parish councils need to have methods in place to get volunteers to help with a phone support network for a fast response."

Former Sheerness town councillor Matt Brown said: "I would be more interested to see what safeguards were put in place after supplies were lost in 2016.

"It showed how vulnerable the supply to Sheppey was and so the water authority must be able to demonstrate how, if any, lessons were learned."