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Schools shut as water issues hit thousands of homes

News imageSouthern Water Southern Water workers standing in a flooded field and a digger.Southern Water
Southern Water has sent a team to repair the broken pipe

A burst water main has led to the closure of three schools and is affecting supplies to thousands of people on the Isle of Wight.

Southern Water said up to 5,000 homes and businesses in the Ryde, St Helens, Seaview, Shanklin, Bembridge and Sandown areas have no water or low pressure after the main burst near Bembridge Airport.

The company said: "Our team is already on site and working hard to repair the burst. As we stabilise the network, customers should start to see water returning this morning, with pressure improving gradually."

Nettlestone Primary School, Bembridge Primary School and St Helens Primary School are all closed due to a lack of water.

News imageIsland Echo Large pool of water - looking like a pond in a field on the Isle of Wight to the back of several houses.Island Echo
Water was seen gushing from beneath a field off Commonwood Lane in Bembridge

Following the burst, Southern Water said: "Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused."

It said a team was under way with repairs and hoped to restore fresh water supplies "as soon as possible".

The water firm warned when supplies returned there may be a temporary discolouration and low pressure.

News imageIsland Echo Fields with large line of flooding along a hedgerow.Island Echo
The problem has seen fields flooded
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