Burst water main causes devastation to homes in Milton Keynes

A burst 18-inch water main caused significant damage in Neath Hill yesterday. At its worst, 100 litres of water were leaking per second.

Internal and external flooding affected 26 properties in the Tower Drive, Lanthorn Close and Beauchamp Close areas of the estate. Some homes had been completely flooded.

Appliances and crews from Great Holm, Newport Pagnell and Broughton joined the Environmental Protection Unit from Aylesbury and two officers at the scene.

Firefighters used major pumps, portable pumps and booms and salvaged property during the operation, and relief attended from about 6.30pm before the final crews left the scene at around 9pm last night.

"It was a very difficult scene with half a dozen fire emergency vehicles and a significant number of homes flooded," said Alex Walker, Milton Keyes Conservative Party leader, who joined residents at the scene of the devastation, "Families are set to endure a costly clear up and potentially days without electricity and water."