Burst water main closes busy road

A busy road has been closed after being flooded by a burst water main.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is warning drivers to stay away from Mead Way in Swindon due to the incident.

Thames Water said engineers have now restored supply to most households, and apologised to customers who may have low or no water pressure as a result.

The company, which had it had received about 60 calls about the burst main, said it is aiming to reconnect supply within three hours, though this may be extended with further updates due during Thursday morning.

There are reports of schools in the area opening late as a result of the incident, with Shaw Ridge Primary School posting on Facebook to confirm it is delaying opening until 10:00 due to having no water.

Sofia Coniglio, who runs an ironing business in Swindon, told BBC Radio Wiltshire she was unable to do her job this morning because she had no water.

"There's lots of businesses around this area and it's unacceptable," she said.

"Especially with the rising cost of [water] as well."

A Thames Water spokesperson: "We are sorry to those who experienced low water pressure or no water early this morning, following a burst water main on Mead Way in Swindon.

"Our teams have isolated the burst, with water supply now returned to majority of impacted properties.

"While our teams are continuing to repair the pipe, a road closure will be in place, which we are working to complete as quickly and safely as possible."

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