A BURST pipe in Burnham has left much of the town without water.

Schools have been forced to close, while residents are wondering how long they will be without.

The problem is believed to be affecting thousands of homes in the area following a burst pipe St Peter's Field.

Essex & Suffolk Water are handing out bottled water outside the Co-operative in Foundry Lane for residents.

They have not made any indication as to how long repair works may take.

Resident, Alex Jennings said: "I came back from the doctors, went to get water and there was none coming out. I spoke to neighbours who had the same problem.

"From what I have heard most of the town hasn't got any water and some of the schools have shut."

St Mary's Primary School confirmed they had been forced to shut for the day, and were unaware if they would be able to open tomorrow.

Ormiston Rivers Academy also said they were expecting to close for the day as a result of the burst.

Many Burnham businesses have also been affected, with Pizza Island closing for the evening.

A release on their Facebook page said: "Unfortunately due to building works wiping out the majority of Burnham-on-Crouch's water supply, we will be unable to open tonight.

"Health & Hygiene is a main concern here at Pizza Island and we will not open without water to wash our hands with and clean with."

Essex & Suffolk Water tweeted: "We are aware of water supply issues in the area. Updates to follow. Thank you for your patience.

"We have located a burst on a large main that is going to affect supplies for the rest of the day. We will continue to provide updates on this, as we have them."

A spokesman for the company added: "Around 1.30pm on Thursday, November 16, we were made aware of a burst water main in Burnham-on-Crouch.

"Our technicians are currently on site and trying to repair the burst.

"Some customers may experience a loss of supply while this is happening and we are arranging to provide bottled water at Foundry Lane outside of the Co-op supermarket.

"We are working to get this repaired as quickly as possible and people can check for updates on our twitter account @eswater_care. 

"We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while the burst is repaired."