Burst main brings water chaos to city

However, jets of water rising to 40ft were actually seen in Merseyside after a water main burst.

The leak meant hundreds of residents were evacuated from their homes yesterday after the burst water main caused major flooding.

The emergency services in Merseyside were called to Huyton House Road to evacuate people from their homes as the water engulfed cars and flooded into homes and surrounding businesses.

Station manager Rob Taylor, of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It has caused a jet of water between 30-40ft high and the water has flooded the surrounding roads.

“We have an inflatable boat to help residents from their homes, as the water is up to three feet deep in places.

“We are knocking on all doors to let residents know about the situation, make sure they know we are on hand dealing with it and offering advice.”

Merseyside Police were advising motorists to avoid the area of Liverpool Road in Huyton. The area commander for Knowsley, Chief Supt Darren Martland, said: “We are working with our partners to resolve this situation as quickly as possible but there will be considerable disruption to residents and motorists in the area.

“We would ask for the public’s patience and co-operation while we deal with this situation and for motorists to avoid the area.”

Houses and public amenities in the area were evacuated.

Properties across a wide area of east Liverpool were affected and had their water supplies cut or suffered reduced pressure.

A spokesman for United Utilities said they were still battling desperately to stem the flow of leaking yesterday afternoon, some six hours after the initial eruption.