Roads closed Thames Water repairs leaks in West Street, Newbury and Water Street, Hampstead Norreys

Thames Water is back in a village street to repair a leak – again.

Water Street in Hampstead Norreys is currently shut from its junction with the unnamed road from Ilsley Road to Newbury Hill and Newbury Hill.

The closure is in place 24 hours a day to allow Thames Water to carry out repairs to a leak.

It is expected to reopen by tomorrow (Friday).

Water Street hit the headlines last April, when at least one child reportedly become ill, as the village was highlighted as one of the worst areas for sewage contamination in the district.

At the time Thames Water said groundwater infiltration and hydraulic overload were responsible for raw sewage discharging from its network into streets and properties.

Some anonymous artists produced graffiti and renamed road signs to reflect the dire situation, changing Water Street to read ‘Sewage Street’ – it has since been removed.

A month later the road was closed for several weeks due to flooding.

West Berkshire Council enforced the after damage to the carriageway caused by the flood water.

Water Street was shut throughout May last year.

And back in May 2022 we also reported how angry residents had said that the closure of Water Street had led to “absolute chaos” on the morning school runs.

It was closed while Thames Water carried out the renewal of its main supply.

Elsewhere, West Street in Newbury has been shut from today.

The road, which runs one way from Northbrook Street to Strawberry Hill, will be closed 24 hours a day until Monday (March 10).

The closure is in place to allow Thames Water to carry out main clamp repairs as there is a visible leak in the road.

Residential access will be maintained where possible.