Stoke Newington flood: burst water main sees 350 people evacuated

To the rescue: emergency services at the scene of yesterday’s flood in Stoke Newington

Around 350 people evacuated their homes after a burst water pipe in Stoke Newington flooded several streets.

The incident happened just after 12.30am on Sunday and is the latest in a series of similar occurrences, including in Upper Street, Islington, last week.

At least one local business owner in Stoke Newington has threatened to sue Thames Water owing to loss of trade because of the deluge, saying the burst pipe had been bubbling away for days with no action taken prior to Sunday’s incident.

Gonen Ozer told the BBC: “To leave a burst water pipe unattended for over a week is extremely unprofessional and careless.”

Neighbours in Gibson Gardens erected ad hoc barricades, which prevented some homes being flooded, but residents could last night apparently only access their flats via a “secret” doorway in Pizza Hut.

Thames Water said a large main had burst in Stoke Newington High Street, and its director Bob Collington added: “It’s been an extremely difficult week. I’m personally devastated for customers flooded so close to Christmas.

“We are doing everything we can to help customers and will make sure they are not left out of pocket for what has happened.”

London Fire Brigade said about 150 properties were affected.