Water tankers deployed after pipe bursts near A66

Tankers filled with drinking water have been deployed in Keswick

Tankers filled with drinking water have been deployed to a Cumbrian town after a pipe burst close to a busy road.

United Utilities has sent four specialist vehicles to Keswick, after a leak near the A66.

Temporary traffic lights are in place while repairs are carried out.

A spokesperson for the firm said the tankers were being used to "ensure customers have water" during the work.

Two tankers are located next to the Premier Inn, in High Hill, and another two are parked outside the Mary Hewetson Cottage Hospital, in Crosthwaite Road.

Traffic lights are in being used at both locations.

Temporary traffic lights are in place outside Keswick's Premier Inn

The water company said the burst pipe is in a field next to the bypass, close to the Keswick roundabout turn-off.

It added that the tankers were expected to be stood down later on Friday, and it expected that repairs would be completed on Saturday.

A spokesperson for United Utilities added: "Our teams are working to repair a burst pipe on the A66.

"To ensure customers have water we’ve been using tankers and moving water from other parts of the network to keep taps flowing.

"All customers should have water as a result."