Workers seek shelter from drivers

South East Water has urged motorists to put up with the delays until November

Workers replacing a pipe on a Kent road have erected a temporary shelter to protect themselves from motorists.

South East Water said frustrated drivers on the A26 at Southborough had thrown items including golf balls and eggs at staff controlling the lights.

The firm said it had to give priority to southbound traffic coming off the A21 even if it meant delays for northbound vehicles.

It urged motorists to be patient until the work was completed in November.

Staff controlling the temporary traffic lights have put up tarpaulins to protect themselves from any missiles.

Graham Webb, of South East Water, said: "In all the years I've worked in the industry, which is over 30-odd years now, I've not come across anything like this in the way that motorists have been abusing the workforce.

"I would hope that they would tolerate this for another month to make sure that we complete our works in an adequate manner."