PEOPLE living on a busy Swindon road were left furious after a water leak was left unattended for almost a while day - while a hosepipe ban looms for the town.

Water spewed out of a pipe on Greenbridge Road - reportedly since 3am on Saturday morning - and almost entirely flooded the length of the road, with one resident describing it as a 'river' close to the Dorcan Way roundabout. 

But despite many reports being made to Thames Water's online leak reporting service throughout, people were dismayed to discover that several hours later nothing seemed to have been done to fix it. 

Swindon Advertiser:

The Adver received several messages from people about the leak and there were multiple posts made on community groups on Facebook asking if anything was being done. 

William Whyte said: "There's been an uncontrolled water pipe leak creating a new river down Greenbridge Road, source opposite Jolly Rodger.

"It's been going since 3am and there has been no workman on site as of 12.15pm Saturday."

Louise Rose said: "It’s absolutely disgusting this has not been made a priority."

Anita Lakey added: "I saw at 8.30am this morning that there was a burst pipe down green bridge road. Coming home from work now at 6.10pm it’s still gushing out with water with all the grass ripped up."

Swindon Advertiser: Water flooding the road near Jolly RogerWater flooding the road near Jolly Roger

A Thames Water employee confirmed to the Adver that the problem had been given the company's highest priority and it was only a matter of time before engineers were able to attend - but it wasn't until 18 hours later that happened. 

The employee explained a mains repair was needed on one of the pipes in the area and engineers would need to operate a network valve to do so. 

But because it was an "extremely busy day because of the weather and there is a lack of resources" there had been a delay in fixing the leak despite all the calls made to report it. 

They added that because of the flooding on the road, traffic management would be needed as well - a further reason for delays. 

Swindon Advertiser:

Swindon has been placed into drought conditions and Thames Water is likely to be bringing in a hosepipe ban this week. 

Thames Water has been approached for further comment.

Last week, Roy Walker, who lives in Grange Drive in Lower Stratton, reported a leak in the road which has been left so long that green slime is growing there.