Birmingham mains burst leaves thousands of homes without water

Severn Trent said a leak sprung at one of the main water pipes at its water treatment works in Frankley, Birmingham, at around 6.30am yesterday.

It caused problems for properties across Birmingham and parts of Sandwell.

Some people were still affected by 7.30pm yesterday.

The problem had a knock-on effect across Birmingham, with thousands of customers either left without water or experiencing low pressure.

Properties in Great Barr, Bearwood and Oldbury were affected.

In Birmingham, addresses in Northfield, Harborne, Selly Oak and surrounding areas were hit.

Properties in the Bartley Green and Woodgate areas were also affected. Chris Jeanneret, who lives on Grayswood Park Road, Quinton, tweeted: "I did not have any water from 9am."

Engineers worked throughout the day to restore supplies in the affected areas. Businesses, including pubs, were forced to close as a result of being without a water supply.

The Kings Head pub, Hagley Road, Bearwood, was forced to close for hours after losing its water supply.

General manager Richard Perry said he was forced to turn away dozens of diners who had pre-booked meals.

Mr Perry said: "We had a huge number of bookings in for Sunday meals and this closure meant we had to turn people away, including regulars and diners. One of the groups we had to turn away included 30 people who pre-booked.

"It's had a huge effect on us. Sunday is our busiest day for serving up food.

"It's extremely disappointing."

Lisa Pearson, a civil servant, of Titford Road, Oldbury, said she had spent the morning doing some household DIY with her husband Mark before they tried to pop out for some lunch.

The 46-year-old said the pair had unsuccessfully tried four pubs on the Hagley Road and Harborne areas.

Rob Salmon from Severn Trent apologised to affected customers, but said there was no scheme to compensate small business affected by their water supplies being cut.

Mr Salmon said Severn Trent sympathised with customers, adding: "We know it can be a real inconvenience to be without a water supply.

"We're really sorry for any problems this has caused."