Sewer pipe burst closes school and floods drives

A sewage pipe burst partially closing a primary school and flooding a road and the driveways and garages of several homes

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

A nearby pumping station was turned off to help prevent any further spills with hay bales and sandbags brought in to stem the deluge.

The water firm said tankers were used "to manage flows" while temporary repairs were made and residents could continue to use toilets, sinks and "other facilities" as normal.

Holy Cross Primary School on Millfield Avenue is closed to all but Year 6 pupils as they are sitting a SAT exam.

The school said once the exam had been completed the students would be leaving the school and staff would remain on site training.

The water firm said: "At this stage, we don't yet have a confirmed timescale for completing the repair.

"We understand this is disruptive, and we're sorry for the inconvenience caused to local residents and businesses, particularly due to increased vehicle movements and the road closure."

A clean-up operation has been undertaken so that residents can access their properties by vehicle and full repairs will continue into the coming week.