Main water pipe burst blocks road

Works have started to repair the burst water pipe

Emergency works have started after a main supply pipe to Edinburgh burst, sending water pouring through the road at Blyth Bridge in the Borders.

The 28-mile Talla Main supply carries thousands of gallons every minute along its 33in iron pipeline.

Water burst through the A701 in the village at about 0630 BST, forcing the closure of the road.

Several nearby residents' homes have been flooded. Scottish Water hoped to have the pipe repaired within hours.

However, the Edinburgh to Moffat road is likely to remain closed throughout the weekend.

'Blew up'

"There was a bit of an explosion and suddenly there was water everywhere," said Bryony Unwin who lives nearby.

"The road sort of blew up and there was bits of it all over the place.

"Our house is slightly raised off the ground but our garage is full of water and it is coming up towards the floor level of the house."

A Scottish Water spokesman said the organisation was working with the police and council to reduce disruption.

"Our engineers are working around the clock to repair the burst on what is a large main," he said.

"Because the damaged pipe is a raw water main, supply to households has not been affected."