A Hertfordshire high street flooded after contractors struck a water main while replacing a sign.
Sandbags had to be put around the doors of businesses in Shenley Road, Borehamwood, today (October 22) after the water began streaming down the road at around 11.30am.
Hertsmere Borough Council has confirmed that the team were carrying out a planned dig in the road when the “unmapped” pipe was struck.
“This has since been isolated by Affinity Water and the leak is contained within the excavation,” a spokesperson added at 3.10pm.
Some properties have faced interruption to their water supply. Affinity Water and Thames Water have been contacted for more information.
Former local councillor Michelle Vince was in the road when the leak started and described it as “horrific”.
“We've got stones and rubble going all down the road where it's been chucking out water at such velocity,” she said.
“The other side of the road has got all the scaffolding. People have got nowhere to go safely."
Businesses have apparently lost out on most of the lunchtime trade as the pavement was blocked off or filled with water.
A member of staff at Ali's Patisserie Café told the Observer: “Because this has happened, no one can come to the shop as a customer to buy anything.
“Even the customers who were inside the shop, they could not leave because the water is so high."
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The café had only opened less than a month ago but has apparently already experienced issues with flooding in Shenley Road on three occasions.
She described the level of water outside as “really bad” and the contractors had to bring in sandbags to keep it away from the entrance.
The original work involved removing and replacing a totem-pole sign near the Centenary Place junction, according to traffic website One Network.
Update: An Affinity Water spokesperson said: "We attended Shenley Road in Borehamwood following a leak on one of our water mains.
"Our team replaced approximately three metres of damaged pipework, and repairs were completed yesterday evening.
"Our team managed the flow of water during the repairs to minimise disruption to customers, and water pressures have since returned to normal. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to local businesses and residents."
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