Burst water main causes giant flood on Great Western Way, Swindon

A high pressure water pipe under Great Western Way burst at about 8.30pm on Sunday evening causing limited traffic disruption, but major problems for people living closeby.

The pipe burst between the B&Q store and the roadworks at Bruce Street Bridges. Water entered some of the residential and commercial properties at Mannington Park on the south side of Great Western Way, opposite the DIY store. 

Emergency services were quickly on hand with four Wiltshire Fire & Rescue appliances on hand to divert water from properties and pump out flooded areas. The Great Western Way was closed for a time because of the depth of water.

However reporting the water burst was a major issue for Mannington Park residentNicki Styles who said: "I was disgusted at how difficult it was to report the problem to Thames Water. When I called I waited in a phone queue (to report water leaks outside of properties) for over 10 minutes and still never even had the call answered.

"I ended up reporting it via their website. I then contacted the council as my neighbours garage was already flooding. Due to very small kitchens in the houses we have to keep electrical white goods in the garage. I said that sandbags were needed urgently, Mannington Park did not receive ONE sandbag. Apparently there are none prepared.

"Again, with the flooding problems this area has experienced in the past, I find it difficult to believe that the council would not keep some for emergencies. They let us down. Contrast this with their boast last week about the amount of salt they have ready to put down on winter roads.

"However, on behalf of people living in Mannington Park and Barnfield Close, I would like to thank the emergency services that were in attendance for their help and professionalism."

The situation was under control by rush-hour on Monday morning. Thames Water reports water pressure to households in Rodbourne and Moredon has been restored. Over the next few days a large area of road will have to be repaired.

See videos posted by Mannington Park resident Nicki Styles on Facebook

Photos top and below by Richard Wintle of Calyx