Engineers are now expected to take all day to fix a burst water main that has left a large number of homes without supply in Ellesmere Port this morning (Friday, February 5).

They are working to resolve the leak in Stanley Road but warning repairs are taking longer than expected.

The latest posting on the United Utilities website states: "Due to the complex nature of the repair to the burst water main on Stanley Road work will be on-going throughout the course of today. Our team of engineers will remain on-site working hard to restore your water supply."

Locals report affected areas include the Westminster estate, Whitby Park and some homes in Sutton Way plus surrounding streets.

The problem was first reported at 2.19am after the leak was spotted, with customers said to be affected in the CH65 postcode area. The water company said an inspector had been out and found this to be the cause of some customers ‘having no water or just a trickle’.

Apologising, United Utilities added: “We’re sorry for the trouble this may be causing you and we will get your taps flowing normally again as quickly as we can.”

A burst main flows down from the Westminster Estate, Ellesmere Port, under the M53 bridge near Junction 9

Steve Cawood, who took photos of the water leak, said earlier this morning: “Local residents reported having no water in Westminster Road, Percival Road, Princes Road, Camden Road, Enfield Road, Regent Street, Earl’s Gardens, Luton Road, and Stamford Street. While others suffered disruption or low water pressure.”