Burst sewer pipe repaired after major disruption

A burst sewer pipe that partially closed a primary school has been repaired.

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

The burst pipe flooded the road and the driveways and garages of several homes.

The utility company said the road reopened by 06:00 BST on Wednesday, with the clean-up and disinfection of affected properties continuing.

A nearby pumping station was turned off to help prevent any further spills. Hay bales and sandbags were also used to stem the deluge.

The burst pipe resulted in Holy Cross Primary School on Millfield Avenue being closed to all but Year 6 pupils on Tuesday as they were sitting a SATs exam.

A spokesperson for Southern Water said: "We will continue to work closely with the Environment Agency and the Isle of Wight Council's environment team to assess any impact.

"We would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding and we're sorry for the disruption and concern this has caused."

Independent East Cowes councillor Karl Love previously 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 was also affected, to clean their pets' 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.