Burst water main floods road and leaves homes without water in Cradley Heath

Drivers are set to face delays for the rest of the week as teams work to repair the burst pipe on Forge Lane near the town's railway station.

Some homes in the nearby area were left without water after the pipe burst at around 11am, although the water supply was returning to normal for most people three hours later.

Water was initially covering the road, with large puddles on the side of the road all the way from the railway station down to Cradley Forge and Quarry Bank.

A Sandwell Council spokesperson said: “Following a water main burst this morning in Forge Lane, South Staffs Water are on site and are currently managing the traffic situation by the use of temporary traffic signals.

“Delays are expected at peak times and drivers are advised to find an alternative route.”

Crews from South Staffs Water are expected to be at the scene for up to five days, with two-way traffic lights expected to be in place throughout the work.

Meanwhile all buses from stands E and F at Cradley Heath Interchange are running from a temporary stop opposite the railway station ticket office while the pipe is fixed. All other stands are open as normal.

A spokesman for South Staffs Water said this(WEDS) afternoon: "Customers who were affected by the burst main in Cradley Heath should now see their water supply returning.

"Their will be two-way traffic lights by the train station on Forge Lane for about five days while we carry out the repair. You may wish to avoid the area if possible.

"We're sorry for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience."

Water may be cloudy or discoloured while the supply returns to normal but is safe to drink, the spokesman added.

Sandwell Highways, the transport department of Sandwell Council, tweeted: "Please be aware Forge Lane, Cradley Heath, is currently closed due to a burst main. South Staffs Water is on site.

"Delays around the area are expected, particularly around busy hours."