Thousands without water for the rest of the afternoon in Bristol

Thousands of people across Lawrence Hill, Barton and Redfield will be without water for most of the rest of this afternoon following a series of burst water mains overnight.

Bristol Water say they are making 'good progress' on fixing the burst mains, which began late last night, Tuesday, and left people waking up to no water from first thing this morning.

One of the broken mains is on a railway bridge, close to a gas main, and fixing it is a huge challenge given its location, a spokesperson for Bristol Water said.

People have begun to queue at water tanker stations in BS5 - two have now been set up in the area. The first was set up at the back of the Fire Engine pub in Church Road, Redfield, with a second tanker distribution point set up in the car park at Croydon Street.

There was some initial confusion - Bristol Water announced the setting up of the first water tanker distribution point, but when the crew arrived they couldn't set up there, so switched locations to the Fire Engine pub - a long walk from the area affected by the water cut off.

But by 1pm, Bristol Water said they were confident of having everyone back on tap 'by evening'.

"We're making good progress with the bursts," a spokesperson said.

"One has been repaired, and it's looking likely we'll get the rail bridge one back this afternoon. While it's still too difficult to give a timeline, we're hoping to have a clear indication later this afternoon. Fingers crossed we'll get everyone back in by the evening," she added.

Bristol Water said the three burst mains around the area were likely caused by the first.

Queues form at the first Bristol Water distribution site in Redfield, as British Red Cross volunteers arrive to help with distribution (British Red Cross)

"It's likely the first burst triggered the other bursts due to pressure changes in the pipes," a spokesperson said. "The railway bridge burst should be sorted by about 3pm ready for flushing. The smaller one on Easton Road has been repaired. The one on Easton Junction Baptist Mills Court will be repaired soon also - we're just awaiting for a collar to arrive for fitting shortly," she added.

Bristol Water also paid tribute to volunteer organisations, including the British Red Cross, and Avon Fire & Rescue, who have volunteered to help with distribution at the two tanker sites.