A BURST water main on Byron Street outside the Regent Circus development is causing a headache for motorists as workers try to stem the flooding.

It is believed the leak burst from a 4 inch pipe under the roads shortly after 3pm while construction continues at the site.

More than a dozen workers from construction company ISG are battling to keep the rising waters from nearby shops and restaurants.

Thames Water workers are now at the site after reports of more than 20 homes in the Old Town area being without water as a result.

A spokesman for Thames Water said: “We were alerted to the leak at about 3pm. What has been affected is a four inch in diameter pipe on Byron Street, and while it is not a large pipe often the pressure will be greater.

“An engineer is now on site to close off the supply and stem the specific leak. That will mean that 26 properties in the immediate area will be without water for a time.

“Because of the location, at the bottom of the hill, the rest of Swindon may be affected and suffer from the pressure dropping in their areas.

“However as the supply stops people will start to see things returning to normal. Once the engineer has stopped the leak the repair team will turn up, and it seems to be a straighforward fix so we should be finished at the site by this evening.”

An ISG spokesperson said: “We are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the water leak outside our site in Swindon. Thames Water arrived promptly at the scene and is working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused. We would also remind residents and the local community of the pre-arranged highway works taking place this evening on Regent Circus.”