Southern Water says replacing ageing mains is part of its annual £100m investment to reduce leakage across the region

A "major" 15-month project to future-proof 11km (6.8 miles) of water mains on the Isle of Sheppey is getting under way, Southern Water says.

The company is replacing the aging pipework in the Eastchurch and Leysdown areas with modern plastic pipes to limit bursts and supply interruptions.

The first phase of the project, which is expected to finish in September 2027, is due to begin on Monday along Cheyne Road and Thornhill Road to Beach Approach, with traffic management measures in place.

Project manager George Liddell said: "Upgrading these ageing pipes is an important step towards future-proofing the network."

Southern Water says replacing ageing mains is part of its annual £100m investment to reduce leakage across the region by fixing leaks faster, managing pressure across its network and upgrading water meters.

Elsewhere in Kent, South East Water was branded "despicable" by a resident after it announced a hosepipe ban due to high demand in heat.

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