AROUND 7,000 homes and business in Warrington have been left without running water today after a water main burst.

Residents in the WA1, WA2, WA4 and WA5 postcodes have reported that they have no water supply or poor water pressure today.

The issue was first reported to United Utilities shortly after 10.30am.

An estimated 7,000 homes and businesses close to the town centre have been affected.

And the problem is believed to have been caused by a burst pipe flooding River Road, off Wilderspool Causeway.

It has since been confirmed that a third party has caused damaged to an 18-inch main off the A49.

Engineers have been sent to the scene to investigate and will attempt to bring water into the affected area from different zones.

A spokesman for United Utilities said: "The burst has impacted around 7,000 customers close to the town centre.

"Engineers are currently making changes to the local water network - this will bring water from other nearby pipes to many of those households impacted.

"For those customers in postcodes WA1, WA2, WA4 and WA5, we have 12 water-on-wheels tankers en route to the area - once we connect into the local pipework, all remaining customers will come back on supply too.

"Once we can safely gain access to the area a full repair will commence.

"Our loss adjusters will be on site later this afternoon to manage any flooding clean up and liase directly with customers.

"We're sorry for the trouble this may be causing you and thank you for your patience."

Warrington Guardian:

Water running down River Road in Latchford

Warrington Guardian: