Handlebar Cafe hit by burst water main at bridge works

The Handlebar cafe, at the car park in Garnier Road, St Cross, is without water after a digger struck a water main.

The machine was working on the new Tun Bridge which Hampshire County Council has been constructing over the Itchen Navigation.

Cafe owner Heather Evans said: "We have been told a digger for the bridge has gone through a water main. We are without water and so are several other nearby houses. I don't know if it has gone as far as the park and ride.

READ MORE HERE: Delays to completion of Tun Bridge works

The burst water main (Image: Chris Atkinson)"We are going to be hours without water. The disruption from this work has been unbelievable. QWe are discussing what to do."

The construction of the bridge started last spring and was supposed to be finished by this month. But the finish has been delayed until next February.

Ms Evans said: "We had customers today and then at 10.30am the water went off. The contractors didn't tell us. We had to investigate. We are told it is being investigated and it could be hours before the water is back.

"It is devastating and such a difficult time. The bridge closed in March and now the work is continuing until February."

A worker at the Handlebar Cafe said that it would remain open to sell cake and cold drinks.

They said that the disruption today had cost the cafe approximately £500 in missed sales. They said: "This is just another hit from the construction work. They closed the road and the car park last week and now this. It is one issue after another.

"We are doing everything we can."

Crews from Southern Water were on the scene to repair the pipe.

A spokesperson said: "Our teams are currently repairing a burst water main at Garnier Road, Winchester. We’re very sorry for the disruption this is causing residents and businesses in the area and we’re working to complete the repair as soon as possible."

The county council has been asked to comment.