A woman has criticised Southern Water for failing to fix a leak estimated to be wasting tens of thousands of litres of water a day,

The complainer, who did not wish to be named, says she reported the issue, close to where she works in Sittingbourne High Street, weeks ago but to no effect.

She told KentOnline: "I reported it several weeks ago with photos.

"I thought it had been repaired, but as I only work from Monday to Wednesday I didn't see the leak again until the next week.

"It was leaking again so I reported through their website once more that it was flowing constantly.

"Last Wednesday I was walking to work and there was a chap in a Southern Water van parked up so I went and asked him the question."

The woman was told the utilities worker had also reported the problem himself and was going to do it again later that day.

She said: "The worker estimated that it was losing between 0.5 litres and 1 litre per second.

"That means even in the last 24 hours, it could be estimated that it has lost 43,200 litres if you use 0.1 litres as a guide.

"It just makes me cross that this has taken so long to be addressed and it is still not resolved."

The woman contacted Southern Water on social media to find some answers.

A spokesman replied: "I do apologise that is on going and completely understand your concern.

"A repair is to commence this week, however this requires a mains shut that adds to the planning time."

Southern Water has been contacted for more information.

A hosepipe ban has been introduced across most of Kent, in areas covered by South East Water, following one of the driest summers on record.

Sittingbourne is one of the few towns that has so far escaped, as it is served instead by Southern Water.

During July in the South East, we have only seen 8% of the average rainfall for the month, and the long term forecast for August and September is for similar weather.