Road reopens after burst pipe chaos

Severn Trent staff have been in Sparkhill all weekend

A flooded road has been reopened two days after a pipe burst and left thousands of properties without water.

Schools, homes, places of worship and businesses were affected after a 28-inch (71cm) pipe burst before 06:00 BST in Sparkhill on Friday.

Bottled water was distributed to affected households and Severn Trent Water said it had worked tirelessly to get supplies back and replace the pipe.

They thanked residents and business owners - particularly a restaurant boss who handed out food to hungry workers.

A new pipe had to be put into the ground

Liaquat Ali, owner of Mughal-e-Azam Restaurant and Banqueting, said he had been forced to close for the night when the pipe burst.

“We had to cancel bookings including a birthday party and an anniversary because of the burst, but we still had staff in the kitchen on Friday," he said.

“So when it came to lunchtime, I said let’s make some starters for the teams working outside – it was showing our hospitality.”

Hot chai tea was also handed out to the teams, Severn Trent said.

Mr Ali said he didn't hesitate to give food to the hungry workers outside

The firm added in a statement: “We want to thank the Sparkhill community once again for their continuing support. Stratford Road has been fully cleaned following the flooding in the area and is now reopened.

"For the safety of the public and our team, Knowle Road will remain closed as repairs to the main pipe are ongoing.

"We understand that road closures are an inconvenience, and we want to apologise for any disruption caused.”