Water supplies are being restored

Tewkesbury was badly affected by the floods

Up to 80% of homes in Gloucestershire whose water was cut off after the recent floods could have supplies returned by Wednesday.

Water was restored to up to 70,000 houses from Monday but cannot be drunk, used to cook or wash up with.

At the peak of the crisis, some 140,000 homes were cut off after a treatment works flooded.

Residents without water are being asked to make sure taps are turned off now supplies are being restored.

Police have received several calls from members of the public who have suffered damage to their homes after water started flowing from taps left on at some point during the past week.

Young children

Severn Trent's Martin Kane, said: "We aim to have 80% of homes back on supply within 24 hours."

"We understand people still without water are anxious to learn when their water is coming back on, but it's very difficult to give exact timescales and specific locations."

The main focus on Tuesday was Cheltenham, Brockworth, Upton, Matson and Fox Elms.

The Army is stepping down from supplying bottled water in the affected area, having helped distribute millions of litres each day since the crisis began.

Newly restored water must not be used for preparing food, making ice or brushing teeth.

It should also not be used to bathe young children, in case they swallow it.

Severn Trent warned customers to be wary of bogus officials and if in doubt call 0800 783 4444 to check.