RESIDENTS have been waiting more than a week for South East Water to clear up after a water pipe burst.

As previously reported, several footpaths were flooded following the incident in Shetland Road, Popley on March 12 at 6.30pm.

Eyewitnesses said they saw a lamppost shoot up in the air from the pressure of the water bubbling up from the ground.

However, more than a week later they are still waiting for South East Water to clear the paths, with Timor Close worst affected. 

Ward councillor David Potter told the Gazette that there is “mud and slime everywhere” including on the paths and in residents’ gardens.

He added: “SE Water have an obligation to carry out a complete clear up of the mess left after the burst water main in Shetland Road which has badly affected the residents of Timor Close in particular.

“A week has passed and there appears to have been only a superficial attempt at the clear up with little coordination of the road sweeping and jet washing operations required.

“I have been working with residents to put pressure on SE Water to meet their obligations to their customers and will continue to do this until a proper clean-up has been completed."

Paul Mann, distribution manager at South East Water apologised to those impacted by the burst water main.

He added: “The damaged pipe has now been repaired and our workforce will be on site tomorrow (Saturday) to clear up debris, which is mainly comprised of sand and soil.

“We are also working closely with the local authority to arrange for the footpath to be cleaned using specialist equipment.”