Water restored while repairs to burst main continues

Water supplies are back on to about 5,000 homes and businesses after a pipe burst on the Isle of Wight.

The burst on Thursday affected supplies in the Ryde, St Helens, Seaview, Shanklin, Bembridge and Sandown areas and forced three schools to close.

Southern Water said work on the main near Bembridge Airport was ongoing but a temporary fix had been made on Thursday night, with the full repair expected to be finished by Friday afternoon.

The company said it was keeping supplies on using different water mains and had tankers on standby as a precaution.

The water firm said: "At present, no customers are without water.

"When your supply returns, you may experience brief periods of low pressure or slight discolouration. This is completely normal and should clear quickly."

Following the burst on Thursday, Southern Water apologised "for any inconvenience caused".