Major traffic jams as people queue at water stations amid major mains burst
Major traffic jams are being reported around water stations as people queue to get suplies. Two have been opened at Zip World in Conwy [LL32 8QE] and Parc Eirias [LL29 7SP], so people can attend them to collect bottled drinking water, and water from a static tank for use in toilets. They were opened following the major mains burst at the Bryn Cowlyd Water Treatment Works, Dolgarrog, on Wednesday.
However major traffic jams have been reported around both, with North Wales Police releasing a statement earlier, urging people to stay away from Eirias Parc, unless they were getting water. It said: "Abergele Road, Colwyn Bay. Due to high volumes of traffic, unless you are collecting water please avoid the area around Eirias Park if can possibly do so."
An update by the Inrix traffic monitoring system at 2.29pm said: "Delays due to people queueing at water collection points on A547 Abergele Road in both directions near Eirias Park. This is due to a burst water main in the area which has lead to the water supply being shut off."
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Engineers have been working since Wednesday evening to get water supplies back on It has affected around 40,000 homes and hundreds of businesses in the Conwy Valley, Conwy town, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Llanrwst, and Llanfairfechan. It has also impacted businesses across the county with some attractions closing and cafes and restaurants shutting early.
Compensation will be paid to eligible households and businesses. An update from Dwr Cymru earlier today said: "We appreciate that this ongoing disruption is causing real frustration for our customers, and we are truly sorry. Our teams are working round the clock to return supplies.
"To recognise the inconvenience being experienced by customers: Eligible households will be paid £30 in compensation for every 12 hours their supplies have been affected. This will automatically be paid to customers in their bank accounts or cheques sent to those without. Business customers will be paid £75 in compensation for every 12 hours their supplies have been affected and are able to submit separate claims for additional loss of income."
Another earlier update from the water company said: "The repair to the burst water main at Bryn Cowlyd Water Treatment Works, Dolgarrog is taking longer than planned. The main is two and a half meters beneath the riverbed, making the repair exceptionally difficult. Once repaired, it could take up to 48 hours for water supplies to be fully restored, though some customers may regain service sooner.
"The Bryn Cowlyd Water Treatment Works services one of the largest networks in Wales so will take time for the system to re-fill to a sufficient level to restore the supply to customers."
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