A Dunmow school has had to close early today (Monday) due to a burst water mains with some areas of Felsted and Dunmow still without water.

Helena Romanes School sent its students home at 11.05am. Exams are expected to take place as usual.

Simon Knight, headteacher, said: “Some of you may be aware that there has been a major disruption to the water supply in Dunmow and as a consequence we currently have no water supply.

“We have been in constant contact with Affinity Water who have informed us that they cannot give us a time to restore water. Therefore due to health and safety reasons I have no option other than to close school at 11.05am.

“All scheduled exams will go ahead as usual. Students arriving on site should report to the exams hall at the appropriate time. Once exams have finished students will need to make their own arrangements to get home.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.”

Affinity Water has a limited supply of bottled water at Foakes Hall, Dunmow. Other affected places will also have a pick up point.

A spokesman for Affinity Water said: “we currently have a burst water main on Doctor’s Pond, off North Street, Great Dunmow.

“Our technician is now on site and has assessed the burst; a repair team have been called and are on their way to carry out the necessary work in order to restore supplies to normal.

“During this time we ask you not to use any electrical appliances that require a water supply like washing machines or dishwashers, and to conserve water from storage tanks during the time your water supply is interrupted.”

They added: “Our repair team remain on site and are currently undertaking pre-repair procedures. However due to complications with the planned repair, this is taking longer than anticipated. We do not currently have a timescale for this work to be completed. However, please be assured that we will provide an update as soon as one becomes available.

“Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience caused.”

For the latest, visit Affinity Water.