STREETS in the North-East have flooded after a water main burst.

An eight foot crack appeared in the road of Priestman Avenue, at The Grove Consett, County Durham, at around 1pm today. (Friday, June 20)

Inches of water quickly appeared and County Durham Fire and Rescue Service issued sandbags to residents who feared the water may enter their homes.

Retired joiner Alan Symm, 67, of nearby Thornfield Road, said: “I was looking out of the window and there was a small wall of brown water.

“It was a major water main that had gone. The road has lifted up about a foot and it has come out of that. It was not in the house, just along the front. It was two or three inches deep. Some of the gardens have flooded a bit but it has gone away straight away.”

Durham County Council said Priestman Avenue will be closed for a week for repairs to be carried out.

A spokesman for Northumbrian Water said: “A water main has burst which we have now switched off and are redirecting water from elsewhere in the system.

“No properties were flooded as a result and supplies have now been restored to all customers.

“We would apologise to customers for anyone who lost supply and if the repair causes a drop in pressure and any discoloured water.”