Homes around Swindon have been left without running water after a problem with pipes in a major redevelopment scheme flooded the town centre.

Thames Water installed a new water main under Fleming Way as part of ongoing work to change the layout of the main road.

Swindon Borough Council has confirmed that a failed attempt to connect the new addition to the existing pipe network caused part of the area to be flooded.

Gallons of water currently cover the former site of the pedestrian underpass between The Parade and Unity Place which has been blocked off by metal fencing for months.

Sandbags stopped the water flowing onto the diversion route used by shoppers visiting from the railway and bus stations.

Several Thames Water vehicles and employees are at the scene.

A Swindon Borough Council spokesperson said: "The significant flooding is contained to the construction site and is not impacting Zurich, Tri-Centre, the Parade or any of the neighbouring buildings. All town centre roads remain unaffected.

"Thames Water is on site to fix the issue and pump water to clear the construction site."

Work on the £33m Fleming Way scheme began in September 2022 and is due to be completed by autumn 2025.