Around 3,000 homes and 2 schools have shut after a water main burst in Tipton.

A major pipe 4ft under a road in Dudley Port was ruptured yesterday, sending a fountain of water spraying 8ft into the air and around 10 million litres of water gushing across pavements and streets.

Homes in Smethwick, Tipton and West Bromwich lost their water supplies after the pipe burst between Market Place and Lewis Street.

Horseley Road today remained closed between Horseley Heath Road and Toll End Road. It is expected to remain shut tomorrow while workers carry out carriageway repairs.

South Staffordshire Water has blamed the burst on road workers who they claim accidentally cut through the pipe with a saw.

Business Owners in Market Place used brooms and sandbags to try and prevent water gushing into their shops.

Residents first reported losing their water supply at about 9:30am but it was back on by 11am.

Traffic stretched as far back as Asda Great Bridge while water gushed onto pavements in the area. Two 60 year old women were seen removing their shoes so they could wade through.

A spokesman from South Staffordshire Water, Alex Martin, said: “A third party not working on behalf of South Staffordshire Water damaged a large main in Horseley Road, Tipton. All supplies have now been restored. Customers are also advised to run their taps to flush through any discolouration. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Monday January 16^th 2012
The Onlines