3,000 homes hit in Tipton flood

Around 3,000 homes were left without a water supply, two schools were shut and there was traffic chaos along a busy route following a burst water main in Tipton.

The road remained closed today as a big clean-up got under way.

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 streets and pavements.

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 stop water gushing into their shops.

Alison Evason, aged 41, owner of Alison's Hair Studio, said it was the second time her business had flooded in recent years and said she was looking at a repair bill running into thousands of pounds.

"I feel like crying," she said. "Floors, carpets, equipment – it is all damaged."

Dean Bateman's pet shop, Pawfect Pets, also in Market Place, suffered hundreds of pounds of damage. "We battled to stop the water coming in but it was no good," he said.

Other shops to be flooded included Cake Land in Market Place. Owner Ann Haycock said they had been able to save stock but did not know if they would need to replace the floor.

"We just went into panic stations," said Ms Haycock. "It was all hands on deck; we just had to get everything out of harms way."

Residents first reported losing their water supply at about 9.30am but it was back on by 11am.

Traffic stretched as far back as the island at Asda Great Bridge while water gushed on to pavements in the area. Two women in their 60s were seen removing their shoes so they could wade through.

Rood End Primary School and Newtown Primary School both closed due to problems with their water supplies and, as well as the homes that lost water, families in Wednesbury, Tipton, Walsall and Darlaston also experienced water discolouration. Steve Coleman, manager of the Port 'n' Ale pub in Horseley Heath, said water had flooded into its cellar.

South Staffordshire Water spokesman Alex Martin said: "A third party not working on behalf of South Staffs Water damaged a large main in Horseley Road, Tipton. "All supplies to customers have been restored.

"Customers are advised to flush their taps in order to remove any discolouration. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."