Newts and extra digging delay burst water main fix

Water problems continue in Oxfordshire after work to fix a burst water main was delayed by the presence of newts and the need for more digging.

The burst pipe at Sutton Courtenay means those in the OX14 postcode area have no water or low pressure and led to St Blaise CofE Primary School in Milton Heights closing on Monday.

Thames Water said the fix was taking longer than expected as the amphibians were found at the location of the ruptured pipe.

The firm said on Tuesday afternoon that there was "only a small amount of work left to complete" on the repair.

Earlier in the day, it said the work had been ongoing overnight but the repair was complex with extra excavation and larger equipment needed.

The company said it was diverting water flows to help restore supplies and using tankers to put water back into the network.

Apologising for the disruption and the delays, it said a further update could be expected on Tuesday evening.

Thames Water said bottled water was being delivered to residents registered on its Priority Services Register.

The water firm said: "If you or someone you know needs a little extra support, our free Priority Services Register can help us to understand your situation so we can take it into account as best we can."