A TOTAL of three water mains have now burst in recent days across parts of the West Midlands, causing major disruption.
The most recent incident has been in Bloxwich, where a water main has burst on Stafford Road at around 4am today (November 4).
In a statement, South Staffs Water said: “There has been a burst main on Stafford Road, Bloxwich, which is causing low pressure and interrupting water supply for customers located in WS3, WS6 and WS11 postcodes.
“We have received reports of localised flooding and understand that properties will have their supply impacted in Norton Canes, Great Wyrley, Bloxwich and Cannock.
“West Midlands Fire Service are on the scene and assisting us with the response.”
Update on the burst main in Bloxwich ❗
— South Staffs Water 🚰 (@SthStaffsWater) November 4, 2024
Our team are on site digging to expose the underground burst main so we can begin the repair.
We expect customers’ water supply to start to be restored towards the end of the evening.
West Midlands Fire Service said two fire engines, ones from Bloxwich and another from Walsall, responded to the incident.
A spokesperson for the fire service said: “Two garages were affected by water damage.
“Crews cleared water damage using brooms and jafco handles to clear blockages away from drains along the Stafford Road.
“Water was capped by South Staffs Water, which has knocked some properties off supply.
“Updates from South Staffs Water about the restoration of water supply can be found [South Staffs Water’s website].
“Stafford Road was closed to the junction of Stoney Lane and a partial road closure was put in place to the junction of Bell Lane.
“Crews left the scene at approximately 7.05am, with 90% of the standing water cleared. This incident was left with South Staffs Water engineers.
“There were no casualties or rescues.”
A water collection point for residents whose supply has been affected will be in place at the McArthur Glen outlet in Cannock for the remainder of the day.
The burst pipe has caused significant disruption, with local school, Landywood Primary School taking to Facebook to announce they have been forced to close as they have no flushing toilets or running water.
Walsall Council has also announced that the fireworks display due to take place at King George V Playing Fields tomorrow has been cancelled.
Cllr Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing at Walsall Council said: “The location of the burst water main is at the main entrance to the park on Stafford Road in Bloxwich.
“Our teams have assessed the site this morning and other possible access points to the park, but unfortunately it is not safe to hold the event at the park at this time.
“The Healthy Spaces team have also considered an alternative location, but sadly this is not feasible at such short notice.
“Full refunds will be issued to all those who have purchased tickets. All ticket purchasers should receive a notification of the refund process in an email within the next two working days.
“The fireworks on Saturday at the Arboretum were fantastic, with over 9500 people enjoying the entertainment, food and fireworks.
“We’re sorry that tomorrow’s event can’t be a repeat of that. We apologise for any disappointment and inconvenience caused.”
The news of the burst water main in Bloxwich comes just days after two pipes burst in Wednesbury and Tipton, causing significant disruption over the weekend.
Online, South Staffs Water has confirmed the water mains on Dick Sheppard Avenue, Tipton and on Leabrook Road, Wednesbury, which caused major flooding and road closures, have been repaired.
Update on burst main in Leabrook Road.
— South Staffs Water 🚰 (@SthStaffsWater) November 3, 2024
The Black Country Route, closed by flooding since yesterday, should reopen to single lane traffic by 4pm.
We're still fixing the main and will be through tonight and into the morning.
Further updates on our social channels and website.
Teams from South Staffs Water have said they are still working to fix the damage on Stafford Road, Bloxwich.
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