Residents of properties in Chipping Norton were without running water through the night after Thames Water attended an emergency callout to repair a ruptured pipe.

Supplies in the OX7 area ceased flowing at approximately 3.30pm on Monday, March 23, when the utility dispatched a specialist crew to locate the problem.

A fractured main was subsequently discovered on the B4030 road in the OX25 district heading in the direction of Bicester, with traffic control arrangements implemented to enable engineers to carry out restoration work.

Temporary two-way signals continue operating on the B4030 between Pack Lane and Hopcrofts Hold Garage, in the stretch linking Middle Barton with Lower Heyford.

While initial remediation efforts commenced at around 6.30pm on Monday, Thames Water deployed tanker vehicles to gradually resume water flow through the distribution system, returning supplies to certain households.

By 9.15pm on Monday evening, the utility informed local residents that service had been reinstated across most of the affected zone, although sporadic reduced pressure persisted.

A statement released at 7.20am on Tuesday (March 24) indicated that their workforce had addressed the ruptured pipe that may have affected water service. It noted that they worked through the night to mend the damaged pipeline segment and reinstate supplies. The statement included an apology for any disruption caused and thanks for patience during the resolution process.

This incident follows another occurrence weeks prior when a separate section of West Oxfordshire experienced water shortages lasting several days after a fractured main in Eynsham triggered extensive supply disruption affecting Witney and nearby communities.