Client South East Water is now logging the attacks on contractors and could pass the information on to the police.

Morgan Sindall is a third of the way through a £176,000 scheme using “no-dig” technology to replace 820m of water main along Spring Hill (B2188) between Penshurst and Fordcombe in Kent.

David Brend, South East Water Delivery Manager, said: “We are getting increasingly concerned at the actions of some individuals as we attempt to complete this main laying scheme.

“People are taking it upon themselves to move the signs that advise of the diversion route, while many have simply been ignoring the signs which advise the road ahead is closed, and then get stuck and so are forced to attempt dangerous U-turns, often in customers’ driveways.

“While we have always acknowledged the frustration caused by water mains works and the resultant delays, this sort of behaviour is dangerous and we are getting increasingly concerned someone will get hurt.

“It is also unacceptable that our staff and contractors should have to deal with abuse of any sort, when they are trying to get on with the job of replacing a water main to ensure our customers have a secure water supply and further bursts and flooding are minimised.”

The vital water main scheme is being carried out because there have been 19 bursts in recent times which have caused considerable disruption to local residents – including flooding, interruptions to water supply and the consequential damage to the road surface itself.