Shopkeepers have been counting the cost of the £6million Pier Hill revamp after contractors burst a water pipe sending thousands of gallons into the street.
Shops on Pier Hill in Southend were flooded for a second time in two weeks, costing thousands of pounds of damage and lost trade.
Friday night's rush hour motorists were severely delayed by the leak as huge puddles formed at the bottom of the road. Engineers had to close one of the lanes.
The burst main was repaired just before 7pm, nearly two hours after it erupted.
Brian Varley, owner of the Waterfront Cafe, said: "We were flooded a couple of weeks ago. This time it ruined all our carpets and will cost us about £2,500."
Published Monday December 15, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article