A leading councillor has denied using his influence to have roadworks carried out near his home.

Roadworks to correct a drainage issue outside Kent County Council's head of highways Nick Chard's front door in the High Street have brought Sevenoaks to a standstill.

A seven-metre section of road was dug up by Kent Highways following complaints passers-by and windows were getting being splashed by rainwater collecting in the road.

But the work has been slammed by some of his neighbours, who believe public money is being wasted.

"I couldn't understand why all this work needed to be done because the road was only resurfaced last October," said Dr Philip Nelson, who lives in the High Street.

"And then the penny dropped.

"Water often splashes up into the windows of the houses on the High Street, and this work was being done just outside Mr Chard's house.

"It is one of the best roads in Sevenoaks.

"To take it up again is just ludicrous when there is so much work to be done on potholes and other roads in the area. It has resulted in chaos.

"On the first day of the work, it took me 20 minutes to drive from Sevenoaks Bookshop to my home.

"Now I don't know Mr Chard from Adam, but what I do know is something about this situation certainly stinks."

Signs initially told residents road resurfacing was being carried out, but this was altered to state "drainage works" on Monday.

Part of the road was taken up to insert a drain to help deal with rainwater overflowing across the street.

But Mr Chard was quick to defend the work. He said: "We had complaints from children walking along the road to school and also adults, and hopefully this will help improve their lot.

"They only realised the drainage wasn't working properly after the work was completed last October and as it was a low priority it hasn't been done until now."

He added that teams resurfacing the road are separate from those that fill potholes.