Hermitage affected by burst water main

Burst pipe affects 60 householders and closes local primary school

AROUND 60 households in Hermitage were without water supplies this morning (Friday), after a water main burst.

Thames Water spokeswoman Becky Johnson said the burst, which occurred at 7.30am, was affecting customers in Hermitage Green and apologised to those without any water.

"We are sorry to customers in Hermitage Green (postcode RG18), who have experienced loss of supply, or reduced water pressure this morning, following a burst water main," she said, adding: "We have shut the main to enable us to carry out the repair, affecting approximately 60 customers."

She said the company was working as quickly as possible to restore supplies early this afternoon.

She added the burst main may possibly be connected to a fire which occurred in Old Street, near Priors Court Road at 11.30pm last night.

West Berkshire Council spokesman, Phil Spray, said Hermitage Primary school would be closed all day today following the burst.

Thames Water confirmed this morning, however, that water supplies have since been restored to the school.

Update 4.05pm Friday Jul 8

Thames Water spokeswoman, Natalie Slater, said a tanker had been providing supplies of water to affected households in Hermitage since 1.30pm today.

"We are still working on the repair, with mains connections to all properties expected to be completed by the end of today - within the next two hours," she said.