A ROYAL Wootton Bassett couple have spoken of their difficulties after the burst water pipe cut the water supply to thousands of homes in Swindon and North Wiltshire.

David and Kay Woolett, of Hyde Road, started the day without their traditional cup of morning tea, but instead faced with a shortage which left Royal Wootton Bassett homes and schools without running water.

Mr Woolett said it was only after speaking to his fellow residents that he realised how big the problem was.

“I got up around 7am. The water had been working fine the night before but when I went to turn the taps only a little bit trickled out. It was a bit of shock,” he said.

“I have spoken to different people along my road and it was all the same.

“We have an old system in place here which explains why we have a little bit of water still in the system. But those with newer boilers and systems have been literally left with nothing.

“I then spoke to Thames Water and they couldn’t say when the water would be back on, which wasn’t particularly helpful. It was a major problem affecting everyone.

“People have their morning routine - they have a cup of tea, a nice hot shower or bath and feel comfortable doing that. It’s disrupted everything.

“I was off to play golf and I had to turn up looking grubby and not feeling my best."

Mr Woolett said the water shortage had made him realise how lucky he was to have running water in the first place.

“It just shows you we really take water for granted as a basic human right. You don’t realise how much you use water until it’s gone,” he said.

Michaella Softley, of Royal Wootton Bassett, queued for water with her two young children.

She said: “It’s difficult to cope without any water, especially with two young children. My son is crying because he can’t go to the toilet and my baby is hungry and wants his lunch. They can’t have their drinks so they’re irritable. I’ve had better days.”

Chris Pike, of Royal Wootton Bassett, said: “I don’t think Thames Water really thought through how much water to bring as it’s run out twice already.

"I did complain but they didn’t listen. We haven’t been able to wash or clean our teeth and I’ve had to wait here for over 25 minutes, which isn’t ideal.”

Barbara Clun, of Briars Close, said: “I think it’s absolutely outrageous. What happens for old people or the sick if they have to come down here and wait in the cold?

"Now no-one is telling us what is going to happen or when the water is coming back on. You can’t flush the toilet or wash. It’s horrible.”

Rosie Wilkins, 22, of Westbury Park, queued with her baby son.

She said: “I got a text from my mum this morning who had heard about the water problems. It’s difficult because I can’t sterilise my son Lincoln’s bottles and you always worry when you have a baby.”