6:01pm Friday 30th July 2010
By Ian Mason
An estate has had its water supply cut off after workmen struck a water main.
According to passerby Jonathan Halls, workmen - believed to be digging up Garratt Lane, in Earlsfield, on behalf of Southern Gas - accidentally hit the pipe while they were using a pneumatic drill attached to the arm of a digger.
It is thought the massive leak erupted about two hours ago.
Mr Halls said: “They have been trying to stop it gushing all afternoon.”
Residents in the Magdalen Park estate, in Earlsfield have been left in the dark as to when their water supply will be switched back on.
Martyn Ellacott, resident and chairman of Wandsworth Access Association, estimated more than 1,000 people have been affected.
The 53-year-old said he was worried about those on the estate who are housebound.
He said: “It’s a very big nuisance, there’s no water in the main pipe at all.
“My concern is there’s a lot of elderly people on this estate - some of them on their own.
“They won’t even be able to have a drink.
“We don’t know how long it’s going to be out.”
A spokeswoman for Thames Water confirmed the water supply had been turned off and said engineers were on site.
She said the damage had been caused by a "third party" but was unable to confirm who was responsible.
The Wandsworth Guardian contacted Southern Gas. A spokesman said the company would investigate but was unable to confirm its involvement.
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