Businesses count cost of Wolverhampton flood

Residents whose homes and businesses were swamped with thousands of gallons of water were today counting the cost of the damage, as running water was returned to 10,000 homes.

Some families had today temporarily moved out of their homes in Stow Heath Lane, Wolverhampton, after it was left under 2ft of water when an underground main burst.

Residents spoke of "waves" of water gushing towards their homes during the drama yesterday morning.

Around 10,000 homes in Willenhall and Wednesfield lost their supplies.

Tony Mckenzie's house in Stow Heath Lane, East Park, was left under inches of water after the main burst at around 7.30am.

The 50-year-old, his wife Valrie and the couple's three children are believed to have moved into a hotel while Wolverhampton Homes begins work to repair the house.

Police stopped drivers entering or leaving the street before temporary traffic lights were installed to control traffic yesterday afternoon. One side of the road today remained fenced off with the lights in place.

Severn Trent workers remained at the scene until around 8pm and were due to continue work this morning.

Businesses affected today said they have been left counting the cost.

Bosses at The Navigation Inn, in Fibbersley, Willenhall, said losing the water supply had prevented them serving up lunches.

Landlady Linda Parkes said: ""I reckon we're down about £100 because of this. We basically had to close the kitchen during the day."

Gill Dickinson, Severn Trent spokeswoman, apologised for any inconvenience caused and added: "Engineers are currently working on boosting pressure and customers will soon see a return to normal levels.

Wolverhampton Homes manages two of the homes on Stow Heath Lane.

By Alex Campbell