Traffic chaos has hit Maida Vale after a water pipe burst along a major route. Kilburn High Road has been forced to close due to the latest problem from Thames Water. Queues of cars and buses have been tailing back around side roads, snarling things up th

Traffic chaos has hit Maida Vale after a burst water pipe along a major route.

Kilburn High Road has been forced to close due to the latest problem from Thames Water.

Queues of cars and buses have been tailing back around side roads, snarling things up throughout Maida Vale because of the burst last Thursday (September 18).

The main road is expected to be closed all week.

The leak, at the junction with Oxford Road, meant a loss of water to many properties and also flooding to others.

Debbie Wimbledon, owner of Beauty and the Beach hair and beauty salon, arrived in work to find her business submerged in water.

"All my sunbeds are condemned," she said.

"Business has come completely to a halt. The rent still has to be paid but no-one takes that into account.

"I'm still trying to claim from three years ago, when exactly the same problem happened with Thames Water."

Brent councillor Daniel Brown said: "Residents are understandably angry, having suffered damage to cars, property and personal possessions.

"They have also seen their insurance premiums rocket in the areas affected."

Westminster's environment and transport boss, Cllr Danny Chalkley, added: "We were deeply disappointed that many residents in Maida Vale were left without water because of the burst water main.

"We have asked Thames Water for a full explanation of what happened as we are concerned this is the fourth burst in a relatively small area."

A Thames Water spokeswoman said: "A 24-inch water main on Kilburn High Road burst, causing loss of supply and reduced pressures for some customers.

"Approximately five properties were also affected by flooding and these affected properties have been visited by our loss adjustors.

"The road was damaged by the burst pipe and Kilburn High Road remains closed between Kilburn Park Road and Oxford Road while repairs are being made.

"We expect the road to be reopened on Friday. We apologise to customers and road users for any inconvenience caused.