The drought affecting a Clapham street has finally ended after a Thames Water gaffe left them without water for more than 32 hours.

To make matters worse the average daily temperature over the last two days was a sweltering 27C - the two hottest days of the year so far.

Roadworks have been going on for the past few days as Wandsworth Coucil works to widen the pavement outside the shops along Lavender Hill.

Thames Water said a pipe had been damaged and struggled to find the cause and repair it. Jessica Thomas, who lives above Headmasters hairdressers, said she had been unable to get any running water since Wednesday lunchtime and was unable to use the toilet in her flat.

Angry residents flooded Thames Water with calls but the company allegedly refused to acknowledge the problem.

Affected residents were convinced the roadworks and the sudden disappearance of their water supply were linked.

Some people were told the water would be back on by 6pm that day but as they woke yesterday morning to more roasting temperatures, it was still not functioning.

Finally at 9pm last night, Thursday, May 24, the supply came back on much to the relief of the sweaty, thirsty and possibly slightly grubby residents.

Ms Thomas said: "We are in the flats right next to where the riots were, above the party shop - we are above Headmasters.

"There are six flats in the building and none of us have had water for over 24 hours now. On two of the hottest days of the year too. We couldn't even flush the toilet.

"Wandsworth Council are digging the road up outside the building at the moment to widen the pavement so we believe that must be the problem."

A number of businesses were affected including Headmasters, which needs fresh water and is believed to have had to cancel clients.

A Thames Water spokesman said yesterday: "We are really sorry for the inconvenience being caused to customers in Lavender Hill.

"We are working to get this repaired as soon as possible and have some bottled water on its way for while they are waiting.

"We were out investigating this job last night and have been back on site today and hope to have the supply back on by later this evening.

"This has been caused by a damaged pipe and we are working with the council to find out exactly how this happened."

Residents confirmed that within an hour of the story going onto the Wandsworth Guardian website litres of bottled water, supplied by Thames Water, were delivered at their doorstep.