A PUB was unable to open and sections of March were left without water after a major pipe burst this morning.

Wetherspoon’s pub The Hippodrome was closed and Whitemoor Prison was without water after a 16-inch pipe burst in Longhill Road.

An Anglian Water spokesman said: “We are close to restoring water supplies to the north of March after a burst water main in the early hours of the morning.

“The burst on a large, 16 inch pipe, meant customers in the town have either had no water or low pressure for much of the morning. Whitemoor Prison has also been off water as a result.

“We are very sorry for the inconvenience caused by this burst, which is now being isolated so water can be brought in by an alternative route. Supplies should be restored by 1pm.

“However, two homes in Longhill Road will still be without water until the pipe is repaired, which could unfortunately take much of the day.

“We are speaking with these customers and will be supplying them with bottled water until their mains supply returns.”

Mark Mitchell, duty manager at The Hippordrome, said: “I came in at 6am to get ready to open but found out that we haven’t had water since about 2am. Staff are sitting around waiting until the water is back on.

“As soon as we can get all the mopping and cleaning done we will be open as normal.”