North Shropshire villagers woke up this morning to find a “river” flowing down their street after a water main burst, affecting hundreds of properties.

The water supply to between 300 and 400 homes was affected when the main burst in Hawkstone View, Tilstock.

Water was diverted from other parts of the network so that homes were not left without water. Supplier Severn Trent apologised for the disruption.

Homeowner Pearl Clawley said the water did not appear to have done any damage.

“When I drew the curtains back this morning there was water gushing out of a mains just by our house,” she said.

“It was just like a running river, the road was actually flooded.

“A neighbour had water going down towards their garage. Luckily I think we are high enough up not to get any damage.

“It is just a bit of a shock when you draw the curtains back and see a river outside.

“It has all drained away now. There is no damage to any property thankfully.”

Severn Trent spokesman Andrew Marsh said between 300 and 400 properties were thought to have been affected.

He said the company was alerted at 5.30am and staff were on site early this morning. “There was a six inch burst main at Hawkstone View,” he said.

“We managed to re-zone the water supply in Tilstock so everybody should be back on a supply but people should notice possibly low water pressure on their supply and that is a result of the rezoning.”

Mr Marsh added: “There is water leaking out, quite a lot of water, so we sent a sweeper.”

He said everyone affected should have a normal supply by lunchtime today.