Hartlepool Water has apologised for traffic delays after starting work to repair a leak to a major water main in Burn Road, Hartlepool.

The leak was discovered on Sunday. But repairs were deliberately delayed so that proper traffic diversions could be organised and put in place in conjunction with Hartlepool Council's highways team,
Kevin Ensell, the operations manager for Hartlepool Water, said: "We will try to complete the works as soon as possible.

"The works are potentially complicated because the main Burn Road culvert is nearby. While water supplies to customers will not be affected by the work, we apologise for the traffic delays in Burn Road and surrounding areas while a one way system of traffic control is in place.

"Controlling leakage remains one of our highest priorities, especially during the present heatwave, and we thank all those customers who reported this leak."

If anyone spots leaking water anywhere in Hartlepool they can contact Hartlepool Water's free leakage hotline on 0800 0284816.