School Closes, Fireworks Cancelled Following Water Pipe Burst

A burst water pipe has led to the closure of a primary school, the cancellation of a fireworks event, and water supply interruptions for some residences. Emergency services, specifically firefighters, responded to the incident on Stafford Road, Bloxwich, around 04:30 GMT on Monday. This marks the third such occurrence for South Staffs Water in the Black Country within a few days, following the company’s efforts to address burst mains in Wednesbury and Tipton during the weekend. South Staffs Water stated its teams were engaged in excavation work to uncover the subterranean problem and repair the Bloxwich pipe, expressing regret for the disruption experienced by households and commercial establishments. Landywood Primary School in Great Wyrley announced its closure for Monday, citing the absence of running water. Headmaster Andrew Clewer posted on the school’s Facebook page, stating, “This has all happened at 05:00 this morning and, after two and a half hours, we still have no water.” He further explained that the absence of water prevented meal preparation and toilet flushing. Walsall Council confirmed the cancellation of its fireworks display, scheduled for Tuesday at Bloxwich’s King George V Playing Field, attributing it to flooding originating from the burst main located at the park’s primary entrance. Councillor Gary Flint indicated that proceeding with the event would pose a safety risk and confirmed that ticket refunds would be issued. South Staffs Water advised that residences in Bloxwich, Norton Canes, Great Wyrley, and Cannock might experience intermittent water supply loss or reduced pressure, with full restoration anticipated to commence late Monday evening. The company also reported establishing a water collection point in the car park of the McArthurGlen outlet store in Cannock and providing water deliveries to individuals identified as priority cases. Separately, on Saturday, Leabrook Road North in Wednesbury experienced extensive flooding following a main burst that disrupted both water and power services for hundreds of households. Lea Brook Methodist Church sustained significant damage due to the inundation. Ian Palfreyman, a church member present at the location on Monday, described the repair work as “a big job”. He further noted that computers were destroyed and the kitchen was in disarray after the church was submerged under two feet (0.6m) of water. The church plans to conduct its Sunday service remotely next weekend and has moved a fitness class and a craft session to New Road Methodist Church in Tipton. Mr Palfreyman recalled that the church required nearly a year to fully reopen following comparable flooding six years prior, but expressed optimism for a quicker repair process on this occasion. He remarked, “If you’ve done it once, you can do it again.” He added, “When the church is determined to rise again – it’s a resurrection story really.”