Burst water main affects Ellesmere homes

More than 200 homes in Ellesmere were left without water today because of a burst water main.

Severn Trent Water officials were alerted to the problem on Elson Road at about 6.30am.

The burst water main happened in a farmer's field and was expected to be repaired by 10am.

It is believed no businesses were affected by the problem.

Residents in the area have been left frustrated by the latest in a long line of water shortages in the town.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "The water went off sometime in the early hours of the morning without any prior warning. Ellesmere seems to be plagued by water shortages.

"There's been major works to stop the problems on the Oswestry side of town and we thought this might have helped solve them."

"Rob Salmon, spokesman for Severn Trent Water, said: "We were first told about a burst water main at about 6.30am. Unfortunately it affected about 230 homes. We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused."

Town business leaders have previously branded problems with the water supply as a "real pain".

Lincoln McMullan, chairman of the town's chamber of trade and commerce, said: "It happens frequently and around the same spot."