Engineers trying to repair a burst water main in Worcester have been forced to create temporary mini-fountains in another part of the city.

Workmen from Severn Trent were called out to a burst main in St Clement's Gardens, St John's, at about 3pm on Friday, December 30. They were able to divert a supply from another main so homes in the area could be reconnected.

But Ben Smallman, spokesman for Severn Trent Water, said it was proving a very difficult and complex problem and the company had taken advice from the Environment Agency.

"We have had workmen out there since Monday trying to fix the burst but it is a deep burst and very difficult to fix. We contacted the Environment Agency and they advised us to open up two hydrants to relieve the pressure. If we had not turned on the hydrants, the area around St Clement's Gardens would get flooded."

He apologised for any inconvenience caused by the hydrants being opened in Grand Stand Road, which are connected to the St Clement's main, but said they were aiming to fix the leak yesterday.