A DAMAGED water main threw a town into chaos causing flooding and disruption.

Residents in Coggeshall were left without water after the main burst in the area around West Street on Wednesday at about 1.30pm.

Drivers were confronted with flooding on the road with water measuring around 12 inches deep from the burst main.

Water pressure around the town is said to have plummeted with some homes losing access to water.

Honywood School was also affected.

The school, which has around 770 students, was forced to send its students home as it was unable to provide suitable toilet facilities.

Although the closure came at 2.50pm, around 30 minutes before the school was due to end, education chiefs still had to organise transport for its students.

A spokesperson for the school said: “We experienced a loss of water supply to the school just after our lunchtime.

“We made contact with the water provider and ascertained that the pressure had dropped in Coggeshall due to a burst water pipe.

“We made the decision to send our learners home at 2.50pm, half an hour early, as, without water for toilets and water fountains, health and safety was compromised.

“We were able to communicate with our families via our Facebook page and email.

“Transport was brought in early and learners were able to go home.

“Families were kept informed during the evening and we were able to return to school as normal.”

Reports on social media also suggest water pressure was affected in Earls Colne and another symptom of the burst main included clouded tap water.

An update confirming repairs were completed was posted at around 11pm on the Anglian Water website.

A spokesman for Anglian Water said: “We are sorry some customers on West Street, Coggeshall may have had low water pressure or no water at all. 

“This was due to a burst water main in the area. 

“Our teams have repaired the pipe and customers’ supplies should now be back to normal. 

“The water may look a little cloudy or discoloured but if customers run their tap for a short while this should clear. 

“Cloudy water is simply caused by millions of tiny air bubbles in the water. 

“We’re grateful to our customers for their patience.”