Drivers warned to avoid Weasenham Lane in Wisbech after gas and water mains burst

Drivers are being warned to remain Weasenham Lane, which firefighters say will remain closed well into tonight.

Both ends of the road were closed just after 2.30pm this afternoon, when fire crews dealing with an accident in nearby Regal Road discovered gas and water mains had ruptured.

Nearby homes and businesses have been evacuated and water and gas engineers are now on the scene of the incident, which is close to the junction of Algores' Way.

Fire service spokesman Jack Cutforth said: 'Two crews from Wisbech were already in attendance at a road traffic collision nearby on Regal Road and immediately put in place a 15 metre cordon and evacuated nearby homes.

'Firefighters remain at the scene moitoring the leak and diverting water away from homes.

'The gas and water boards are also in attendance and are awaiting the arrival of specialist teams to repair the mains.

'Weasenham Lane is closed at both ends and drivers are asked to avoid the area if possible as the road is likely to be closed for several hours.'

An Anglian Water spokesman said the cause of the burst was unknown 'and we wouldn't like to speculate - our priority is getting everything fixed as soon as possible'.

He said: 'We have isolated the valves to stop the water escaping.

'Eight properties have been left without water - two factories, two are domestic and four are small businesses/shops.

'Unfortunately when the water main burst a nearby gas main burst as well. For the health and safety of our workers we will need to wait until the gas main is fixed until we can repair the water main.'