Thames Water close Oxfordshire road after major water leak

People in Banbury were shocked yesterday (Tuesday, May 26) as a burst main dramatically sprayed water high into the air and onto passing cars and local architecture.

The incident was first reported at around 8pm close to Banbury Cross, and next to the Fine Lady Statue, between South Bar Street and West Bar Street.

READ MORE: Videos show dramatic moment ‘water pipe bursts’ in Oxfordshire town

Photos and videos showed that the roundabout quickly became flooded with cracks appearing in the road around the shooting water.

A householder, who asked not to be named, said: “There was clearly a large water leak last night.

There was a major water leak in Banbury, Oxfordshire (Image: Contributed)

“This morning the leak itself seems to have been largely stemmed but there is no access from West Bar into the town centre as Thames Water has closed the road.

“You can’t turn from South Bar or Horsefair into West Bar and driving down West Bar itself you can only get as far as the Horse and Jockey pub.”

Thames Water confirmed the road was closed and the company was carrying out emergency repairs.

There was a major water leak in Banbury, Oxfordshire (Image: Contributed)

The company added that six customers are without water while repairs continue.

A spokesperson said: “We apologise for the disruption caused by a burst water main in Banbury last night.

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“We stopped the flow of water from the burst pipe just after 10pm. 

“Six customers are temporarily without water while we continue to carry out our repair work, and a Customer Representative is in the area today to speak to anyone who has been affected. 

“West Bar Street at the junction with the Banbury Cross roundabout will remain closed while our engineers work to repair the pipe as quickly as possible and we’re sorry for any disruption this may cause.”