Clear up continues after flood

Victims are faced with thousands of pounds of damage

A clean-up operation is continuing after a 42-inch water main burst causing thousands of pounds of damage to houses in the Northfield area of Birmingham.

Hundreds of gallons of water escaped and poured into several homes on Friday morning prompting early morning traffic to be re-routed and the closure of several neighbouring roads.

Water company Severn Trent, which is responsible for the pipe, said officials would be helping families to clear up the mess.

Kate Cox, from Severn Trent, said there was no indication when the pipe would be fixed.

We have lost everything - the cars, all the furniture, even my books Jan Drinkwater, resident

Fire crews from Kings Norton and Northfield were called after a resident on Whitehill Lane reported three feet of water in her house at around 0300 BST.

Jan Drinkwater - who received her water bill on Friday morning - has recently spent thousands of pounds re-decorating her bungalow.

"We have managed to save a little bit but everything else is just all gone. We have lost everything - the cars, all the furniture, even my books " she said.

Another resident, Jack Woods, said he was woken up by what he thought was a thunderstorm.

Alternative accommodation

"We heard just like a huge thunderstorm. Debris was coming across - a shed at the top of my garden - and my fence has disappeared, " he said.

It is not known what caused the problem but Severn Trent has admitted responsibility. Those affected have been offered alternative accommodation.

It is thought it could be months before repairs are complete and three months before residents can move back home.

Whitehill Lane was expected to re-open on Friday evening