A WATER main has burst in an Oxford street causing significant flooding this morning.

Normandy Crescent is closed to traffic and emergency services are on the scene.

One witness has reported seeing five fire engines.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue confirmed it had a special pumping unit from Banbury on scene to try to remove the water.

There are also four engines, an incident support unit and an incident command team on site.

A Thames Water spokeswoman said the flooding had been caused by a burst 24” water pipe.

She added: "About 50 properties have been affected and we’re working closely with the emergency services and emergency planning teams to take care of the residents.  

“Our engineers have turned off the water supply to the broken pipe to stop any further flooding and once the floodwater has been cleared we’ll start fixing it.”

Oxfordshire County Council’s emergency planning team is also on the scene along with Oxford City Council.

A county council spokesman said it is estimated about 50 properties are affected – in terms of suffering directly from flooding or being cut off because of flood waters outside the property.

A rest centre for residents affected by the flooding is open at Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre.

Twenty-eight residents have been transported to the centre.

Clothing and food has been provided to those residents.

Emergency Planning Officer Bethan Morgan said: “We know that Thames Water are on the scene and trying to sort the problem out. Their efforts will clearly define the length of involvement of those services responding to the incident and disruption to local residents.

“Clearly we will provide support to local residents during this difficult time for them.”

Andrew Smith MP has been at the scene talking to residents.

 

Local buses are being diverted away from their routes, with Stagecoach saying its number 10 is unable to service Horspath Road.

Oxford Mail:

Eight-year-old Harriet took this photo of the scene

More information will be added when it comes to hand.

Traffic updates will be be posted automatically on our Live Travel Service

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