Clean up operation continues after burst water main floods shops
Video report by ITV News Meridian's Natalie Boare
A clean up operation is continuing in a Hampshire village after a water main burst flooding shops.
Fire crews from Botley, Hightown, Fareham and Cosham were called to Botley Mills just before 6pm on Thursday evening (20 May).
The water flooded a car park, a nearby road and a hair salon and in places had reached one metre deep.
South Central Ambulance's Hazardous Area Response Team were also called to help, and seven staff and customers from the hairdressers were rescued using a sled.
Daniella Challis was in a clothing shop on the first floor and describes what she saw:
The flooding has meant businesses have been unable to reopen today.
Owners of The Old Mill restaurant had to cancel 30 bookings for Thursday night, just days after restaurants were allowed to reopen for indoor table service.
Meanwhile the owners of Botley Mills Country Store acted quickly to save their five rabbits and five guinea pigs.
Station Manager Phil Foxton from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service praised those involved in the rescue.
Southern Water has apologised to those affected by the flooding and is working to fix the problem, but it could take until next week before repairs are completed.
A spokesperson said: “We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by work on the A334 at Botley SO31. A very large – 15 inch – water main burst overnight.
"By re-routing water around our network we managed to keep all customers in supply. We have now made a repair and are recharging the main.
"However due to the size of the main, there has been considerable damage and it could take until late next week before repairs and reinstatement are complete. We will keep customers updated on our social media streams."