Burst sewer closes road near former royal residence

Southern Water said it had deployed tankers to minimise pollution

A burst sewer has closed a road near Osborne House, Queen Victoria's former residence on the Isle of Wight.

Southern Water said it had deployed tankers to minimise pollution in New Barn Road following Monday's leak.

The firm said repairs would be complete by Thursday evening.

Osborne House said a horse show which runs until Thursday had been affected by the road closure, with visitors having to follow diversions.

East Cowes councillor Karl Love said he expected New Barn Road to be closed for the rest of the week and possibly over the weekend.

He said: "It’s not a quick fix, I’m afraid, as the road needs to be dug up.

“This is one of the main sewer pipes which pumps sewage across the island to the treatment factory at Sandown."

Southern Water said the burst sewer had not caused any environmental damage.

It said: “To minimise the risk of any pollution, we’ve mobilised a number of tankers to manage wastewater flows between the site of the burst and our Springhill and Albany Road sites while the repair takes place, which is scheduled to start this evening.

“We estimate that the repair will be complete within 48 hours once it begins, and we apologise for any disruption this work and the tanker movements may cause to homes and businesses in the area.”