Traffic mayhem after burst Brownhills water main

A burst water main flooded four homes and caused traffic mayhem in Walsall today.

Water started gushing across Pelsall Road in Brownhills after the pipe burst at about 1am today, leaving the road 12 to 18 inches deep in water.

It was closed to traffic between Clayhanger Lane and the island with the Brownhills Miner statue, with traffic diverted down Coppice Side and Coppice Lane.

Traffic built up during this morning's rush hour, and the water supply to 30 households in Pelsall Road was cut off.

Firefighters from Willenhall and Aldridge fire stations worked through the night pumping water away from the carriageway and into the canal, but the road is expected to be closed for two to three days while South Staffs Water repair the leak. The road may need resurfacing.

A spokesman for South Staffs Water, said: "Based on the fact that such a volume of water leaked and the number of houses flooded, I can say the rupture was quite significant. Insurance staff are meeting people whose homes have been flooded so all claims can be dealt with swiftly."

The water supply of the 30 customers in Pelsall Road was reconnected by 11am today.

One of the residents affected by the burst was Jason Aston of Pelsall Road. Water flooded into his home, ruining a carpet, appliances, clothes and children's toys.