Some motorists have even tried to move barriers and drive through the pipeline replacement site on the Old Thanet Way being carried-out by Clancy Docwra.

Graham Webb, Delivery Manager at South East Water said: “Since the road closure came in drivers have been trying to force their way through the barriers.

“This not only puts the lives of our contractors at risk, but also other motorists and pedestrians too.

“On top of this, the gang on site has been subjected to a stream of verbal abuse. This kind of behaviour is disgraceful and wholly unacceptable.

“The construction workers are doing a great job to make sure that people in the area have a constant supply of clean drinking water and they should not have to put up with this.”

The £370,000 pipeline replacement scheme started earlier this year and the road has been closed at the junction with Chestfield Road from 6 August to 24 August creating a five-mile diversion.