AN AREA of Winchester was severely flooded on Friday (July 8) after a 'major main burst'.

Police attended the scene at Colden Common, where water levels had rapidly risen.

Posting to Twitter just after 5pm, Winchester Cops wrote: "Please avoid Main Road, Colden Common as there is a major main burst and road collapse with significant flooding.

"We are awaiting other emergency services who will be here soon."

They added: "The way the local community have come together here to help and assist those affected by the flooding has been BRILLIANT. The people of the Meon Valley are amazing!!! A very big thank you to everyone here."

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "An HIWFRS officer was called shortly after 4pm yesterday afternoon following reports of a burst water main on Main Road in Colden Common.

"The incident was left with our Southern Water partners who are working to resolve the issue and are keeping us informed of progress."

In a statement on Friday, Colden Common Parish Council said: “A water pipe has burst on Main Road near the Junction of Spring Lane.

“This has resulted in very low or no water pressure for some parts of the village. Southern Water is aware.

“Expect Main Road to be closed whilst they carry out investigations / repairs.

“No information is available yet on what time water will be restored or whether bottled water will be supplied.”

A Southern Water spokesperson has since added: "We are extremely sorry for the distress and disruption caused by a burst water main in Main Road, Colden Common. Our customer team is on site and we will do all we can to support people affected.

"Our team arrived on site quickly and the burst has been stopped. The repair will be made overnight and we hope the small number of impacted properties (nine in total) will have their water supply returned by the morning.

"Our priority now is to clean-up the homes flooded and support the residents as needed.

"The burst has caused damage to the road and will require complete resurfacing. We apologise for the disruption to road users while this work takes place. This will be done as quickly as possible but could take up to a week."

Hampshire Constabulary confirmed it was made aware of the incident and neighbourhoods officers attended, but added that the incident was managed by Southern Water and Highways.

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