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Schools forced to close due to burst water main affecting Larkfield, Leybourne and West Malling

Schools have been forced to close and homes are without water after a burst main.

South East Water has confirmed that East and West Malling, Larkfield and surrounding areas are affected by the problem, which has also resulted in Leybourne Parish Council's outdoor gym becoming flooded.

Leybourne's outdoor gym was flooded as a result of the issue. Picture: Bob Ulph
Leybourne's outdoor gym was flooded as a result of the issue. Picture: Bob Ulph

Parish council chairman Bob Ulph said the water flowing through the recreation ground this morning was up to nine inches deep, as other householders have reported seeing surface water on some roads as a result of the leak.

A statement on West Malling Primary School's website reads: "As there is no water in West Malling and the surrounding area, the school is currently closed.

"We will reopen as soon as possible once water has been restored to the area.

"We apologise for the inconvenience but the decision is made in the interests of health and safety as the toilets can't flush and we have no running water for taps."

Leybourne Chase School, Lunsford Primary School and Brookfield School are also shut this morning.

Many homes are without water. Stock image
Many homes are without water. Stock image

Jenny Rhodes, regional network manager at South East Water said: “We’re sorry for any customers experiencing no water or low pressure this morning in East and West Malling, Leybourne, and Larkfield.

“We have isolated a burst water main this morning in Castle Way, Leybourne, which was reported to us at 5.30am.

“The burst water main has been isolated and we have now begun the repair. Customers should see their water supplies begin to return.

“Unfortunately leaks and bursts do happen on our high pressure, extensive underground network which carries 517 million litres of water every day through 9,000 miles of mains and more than six million joints.

"Sometimes those pipes and joints fail, but we work around the clock to find and fix leaks and bursts.

Leybourne's outdoor gym was flooded as a result of the issue. Picture: Ash Taylor
Leybourne's outdoor gym was flooded as a result of the issue. Picture: Ash Taylor

“We’re out and about every day finding and fixing leaks and bursts and our customers can help us by reporting leaks on our interactive map at https://inyourarea.digdat.co.uk/southeastwater or in an emergency call us on 0333 000 0002.”

Read more: All the latest news from Malling

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