The Police closed North Bar Street this morning at 1am without warning due to a major water leak in Banbury.

Surrounding businesses, including the Three Pigeons, needed sandbags to prevent their properties from being flooded and the whole area is covered in a layer of mud.

The burst water main was so severe that the road became “wavy and bouncy” and large holes have appeared in the road and parking spaces to the side.

Thames Water are currently onsite investigating the problem, but one of their engineers told BanburyTown.com that “it would not be a quick repair”. The closure is expected to remain in place for the rest of this week while repair and resurfacing works are carried out by Thames Water.

The burst water main has forced the closure of two of Cherwell District Council’s car parks in Banbury, the North Bar East short stay and North Bar West long stay car parks. Season ticket holders are being advised to find alternative parking during the closure. The nearest short stay car park is at Horsefair while the closest long stay provision is on South Bar or at Compton Road.

Drivers are advised to avoid the junction if possible.

Above photo thanks to Banbury’s Dog & Gun Pub www.dogandgunpubbanbury.co.uk