A FAULTY valve meant work to repair a leaking mains pipe spilling water down an embankment between Winyates and Matchborough centres had to be aborted.

Residents were sent letters warning them they would be without water for 12 hours but water company Severn Trent decided to abandon the work after workmen were unable to close off the valve.

A Severn Trent spokesman confirmed the company was aware of the leaking 24-inch mains pipe and was due to shutdown the water supply to repair it.

"Residents did receive a letter from us warning of a shutdown so we could carry out a repair.

"This was due to take place from 10am-10pm last Friday but unfortunately, the valve we needed to switch off didn't appear to be working correctly and we were unable to close it off.

"We had to make a decision to abort the work so we could minimise the disruption to customers," said the spokesman.

The spokesman added: "We are planning to re-schedule the repairs as soon as is practical.

"We don't have an exact date at the moment because we need to give customers enough warning about another shutdown and time to repair the valve so we don't have the same problem."