Sewer pipe burst disrupts school and floods road

A sewage pipe burst partially closing a primary school and flooded a road and the driveways and garages of several homes

Southern Water said a large pipe containing untreated wastewater from the sewer network burst in the early hours on Millfield Avenue, East Cowes, Isle of Wight.

A nearby pumping station was turned off to help prevent any further spills with hay bales and sandbags brought in to stem the deluge.

The water firm said tankers were used "to manage flows" while temporary repairs were made and residents could continue to use toilets, sinks and "other facilities" as normal.

Holy Cross Primary School on Millfield Avenue was closed to all but Year 6 pupils on Tuesday as they were sitting a SAT exam.

The school said once the exam had been completed the students would be leaving the school and staff would remain on site training.

An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson confirmed the school will be opening as normal on Wednesday and access arrangements have been communicated to parents and staff.

The water firm said: "At this stage, we don't yet have a confirmed timescale for completing the repair.

"We understand this is disruptive, and we're sorry for the inconvenience caused to local residents and businesses, particularly due to increased vehicle movements and the road closure."

A clean-up operation has been undertaken so that residents can access their properties by vehicle and full repairs will continue into the coming week.

East Cowes councillor Karl Love, (Independent), said: "It will take sometime to clean up the damage in people's gardens and properties."

He advised neighbours in the affected area not to cut their grass and recommended anyone walking their dog in Old Road, which has also been affected, to clean their pet's feet before going inside.

He also urged anyone living in Hefford Road to check their gardens for effluent and sewage and to notify Southern Water if they find anything unwelcome.