Clean-up after water pipe bursts

Up to 100 properties were flooded after the water mains burst

Dozens of people have spent the night away from their homes on Merseyside after they were flooded by a burst water main.

Supplies to about 25,000 properties were affected when a United Utilities contractor damaged the pipe on Page Moss Avenue in Huyton on Monday.

Up to 100 homes and businesses in parts of Huyton and Precot were flooded.

The company has "sincerely apologised" and said an investigation into the incident would be carried out.

Engineers worked through the night preparing the damaged section of the pipe. Repairs are expected to be completed later on Tuesday.

Jen Westley's home on Huyton House Road was flooded in the incident on Monday. She said all of her flooring, furniture and appliances on the ground floor had been ruined.

We apologise sincerely to everyone who has been affected by this incident United Utilities spokeswoman

Although she spent the night in her home, her three children had to stay with neighbours.

"There's no way they can come back to this, the stench alone is just unbelievable, it really is," she said.

A United Utilities spokeswoman said: "We apologise sincerely to everyone who has been affected by this incident.

"We will be carrying out a full investigation, but for now our priority is to complete repairs and help residents get their homes back to normal as quickly as possible."

Water supplies were restored to homes and businesses using other pipes in the area on Monday evening.

Homes 'devastated' by burst mains

"Some customers may notice a drop in water pressure over the early morning period today while demand is high and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause," the spokeswoman added.

"Up to 100 properties are thought to have been flooded and we have visited each home and left a letter with details of how residents can get help with cleaning up after the flood and with claiming for loss of property.

"Our clean-up teams and loss adjusters will continue to visit homes and assist residents today."

Anyone needing help or advice is asked to call in at The Gate Community Centre on Princess Drive.

Staff from Knowsley Council and United Utilities will be on hand to assist people with their inquiries.