Estate Flooded, Schools Closed Following Water Main Rupture

A ruptured water main has caused flooding in a housing estate and necessitated the closure of multiple local schools. Over ten residences on Gerrard Street in Kirkholt, Rochdale, have been impacted. United Utilities has disconnected the water supply and dispatched engineers to carry out necessary repairs. Janet Brooks characterized the inundation as “just horrendous,” adding that the street has experienced recurring issues with burst pipes over the past five years. Approximately 12 properties had their gardens and ground floors submerged when the water main ruptured. Although the floodwater has since receded, Holy Family Roman Catholic School, St Mary’s Primary School, and Sandbrook Community Primary School have all ceased operations due to the absence of a water supply. United Utilities has issued an apology to its customers and deployed tankers to assist in maintaining the flow of tap water. A spokesman for the company further stated, “But some may notice they have low pressure or no water whilst the repairs are being carried out.” Shani Walker recounted, “At about six o’clock I just woke up, looked out the window and it was just full, everywhere.” She reported that her hallway and a section of her living room were inundated with “dirty water,” and she characterized burst water mains as a “reoccurring problem” in the vicinity. Concurrently, her neighbor, Ms. Brooks, concurred, stating that similar floods had occurred on numerous prior occasions. She detailed damage to her porch, carpets, living room, and her entire garden. Ms. Brooks remarked, “Burst pipes – that’s all they say – well they need to replace the pipes don’t they.”