Burst water main in Bloxwich causing floods and lack of water for residents

Families have been left without water in Bloxwich due to the burst water main and there are reports of localised flooding around Cannock too.

A South Staffordshire Water spokesman 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."

The spokesman added: "Our teams are on site working to repair the burst, and aim to restore all supplies as quickly as possible.

"We're sorry for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience. Watch this website and follow our social channels for updates."

South Staffordshire Water have been forced to open a water distribution point at McArthur Glenn in Cannock this morning. 

The company posted on social media: "We have set up a water distribution point at the McArthur Glen outlet in Cannock (Car Park E) for customers without water in Norton Canes, Great Wyrley, Bloxwich and Cannock due to the burst main on Stafford Road in Bloxwich. 

"This is open now and customers can come and collect bottled water throughout the day. Our phone lines are very busy so unless you are a customer on our priority services register (PSR), please keep an eye on our website and social channels for further updates. 

"Water drops will be carried out throughout the day for our PSR customers in these affected areas. Our teams are on-site continuing to work on repairing the main. We will provide further updates when we are able to."

Today's problems comes after two South Staffordshire Water mains burst in Wednesbury and Tipton on Saturday causing flooding, 700 hundred houses without power and thousands without water.

South Staffordshire Water issued an update about the Bloxwich burst water main at midday. 

They said: "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.  

"If you live in a postcode starting with WS3, WS6 and WS11, and have no water, a water collection point has been set up at the McArthur Glen outlet in Cannock (Car Park E). This is open all day. Water drops are being carried out throughout the day for our medically dependent PSR customers in these affected areas.

"We're sorry for any inconvenience this is causing. Thank you for your continued patience. If you are travelling around Stafford Road, please be aware a diversion has been set up from Lichfield Road through to Walsall Road, back onto Stafford Road."

Walsall Council announced the Bonfire Night fireworks event tomorrow has been cancelled. 

Landywood Primary School in Great Wyrley has been forced to close its doors due to the water problems.

Headmaster Andrew Clewer said: "As I am sure you will be aware, there a burst water main in Bloxwich, which is affecting everyone’s water pressure in our area. Some homes have low water pressure, currently school has no running water at all! 

"The biggest concern is toilets - as after an hour of being open and them being unable to flush, staffs and children’s health and hygiene would be below acceptable standards. I have been unable to get a timeframe from South Staffs which makes the decision even harder. 

"Given this has all happened at 5am this morning and after 2 and a half hours we still have no water, I am concerned. Without running water we can’t prepare cooked meals in the kitchen. 

"I am afraid we have no choice other than to close this morning.  I am so sorry. The health and safety of everyone must be our number one priority and no working toilets or sinks causes major problems as I am sure you appreciate. We will monitor the situation and send a Weduc update when the water returns. Hopefully we can open after lunch.I am so sorry for the difficulties this decision causes. We are having difficulties with Weduc, so would appreciate it if you could share this message with the school community."