Residents of a village plagued by months of leaks say the constant running water has gone from annoying to downright dangerous.

People in Teynham claim the problem is so bad it sounds like it’s raining constantly, and that algae has begun to coat the ground, creating a slip-hazard.

Concerns have also been raised by those living near the railway level crossing, which they fear could suffer damage or even subside if South East Water (SEW) does not find a fix soon.

Conservative councillor for the area, Lloyd Bowen, has raised his concerns with the water company.

The leader of the Swale Tories said: “For the last several months, we’ve had water leaks within the area of the station which have progressively got worse.

“SEW came down and tried fixing it before the start of the summer holidays but didn’t.

“The lack of communication and response from SEW is what residents are finding most infuriating. Especially because at the same time, SEW asked for a hosepipe ban.

“This was why they were willing to have thousands of litres a day of water running down the road while telling people they couldn’t use hoses in their own back garden.”

Cllr Bowen explained that SEW’s lack of concern over the leaks is making Teynham residents feel like a “forgotten party”.

He added: “This has been going on for many many years on and off. Ever since I’ve been in Teynham, for over 20 years now, this area has been prone to water leaks and they’ve never managed to fix it and people are just fed up with it.

“I think the concern is, we don’t know what is happening under the tracks.

“The pipes run under the level crossing and into Station Row, so with the weight of the trains rumbling through what weight is being pushed on a pipe which is already leaky? Will that generate subsidence?

“With the weight of trains, what is going to happen? I think there is a risk to people's health and safety.”

Francis Atieku has lived on Station Road, which is opposite the leak, for two years now.

The dad said: “It’s not good. My kids use the train and I worry it’s an accident waiting to happen. It’s a disaster.”

His neighbour, 63-year-old Paul Goodman, agreed saying: “I’ve lived in the area since 1985.

“The waste of water annoys me. Older people in the village also take their life in their hands. They could slip over at any point.”

Glenda Cole has lived next to Teynham Station for the last 49 years and says the leak has caused a few people to fall and hurt themselves.

Born and bred in the village, the 70-year-old said: “It’s been here for more than 10 weeks.

“However this area has always had a problem, the old pipe needs replacing.

“SEW came at the beginning of the summer holiday and dug up the road before leaving a hole.

“They didn’t repair the leak and instead just covered it back up with Tarmac.”

Glenda claims the 16 houses on the other side of the tracks, along Station Row, have had their water pressure affected by the ongoing leak.

She added: “It’s also a slip hazard, I’ve seen a couple of people fall over.

“The water has been running down the road for so long that algae has now grown and it is incredibly slippery.

“If it’s not dealt with soon it will freeze over during the colder months and become even more dangerous.

“It was also absolutely frustrating to see during the hosepipe ban. I could have attached my hose to the leak to water my garden it was so bad.

“It’s a slip hazard, I’ve seen a couple of people fall over...”

“The lack of information and communication from SEW is also frustrating, nothing is being done.

“It’s dirty and overnight it sounds like it’s raining outside.”

A short distance from the issue by the train station is another leak along The Crescent.

Holly Wells, a deputy ward manager who’s lived in the area for 27 years, has complained multiple times about the problem and yet nothing has been done.

The 46-year-old said: “The whole road is covered in slime because of the algae growing from the leak.

“It also started way before the hosepipe ban and SEW did come to fix it but after they left it started again just a few days later.

“I have often slipped while waking to my car. Luckily I didn’t fall over but it’s a matter of time before someone else does.

“You have to traipse through mud to get to your vehicle and it absolutely stinks.”

SEW’s distribution manager, Mark Rice has apologised for “any inconvenience caused”.

He said: “We are aware of four leaks in the Teynham area – Station Row, Conyer Road and two on The Crescent – and are working with our repair team to schedule these in to be fixed as soon as possible.

“We know how frustrating leaks can be and we apologise for any inconvenience caused. We take leaks seriously and want to thank those who report them to us. You can follow the progress of repairs by using our interactive map.”

SEW was asked why a running leak was resurfaced instead of being repaired but no explanation was given.