A MAIN road could be closed for 10 days because of a burst water main.

Thames Water engineers managed to stop the leak by 6.30am this morning, about two hours after it started.

But the damage to the roadway and pavement in Widmore Road, Bromley, is so severe that the company estimates it will take between six and 10 days to repair.

These repairs mean the road will be closed from the junction of Kentish Way to Plaistow Lane.

A Thames Water spokesman said: "We apologise to all our customers for any inconvenience caused and we will work as quickly as possible to fix the damage and get the road open again as soon as possible."

The spokesman says no houses were damaged because of the burst water main and there was no loss of supply.

Motorists warned of delays

COUNCIL chiefs are warning motorists that there are "severe delays" in and around the Plaistow Lane area of Bromley.

There were major traffic hold-ups this morning following the water leak. People were caught up in the congestion for up to 30 minutes.

Bromley Council is encouraging motorists to avoid the area or risk getting caught up in the congestion.

A spokesman said: "Severe delays are being incurred by motorists in the local area and our advice is to avoid the area if possible."

The council says it does not believe current roadworks in Petts Wood will lead to greater congestion because they are too far from the Widmore Roads works.

The spokesman added: "All the indications we have at the moment are that these are local delays and drivers traveling across the borough will obviously be delayed by other roadworks but they are not directly affecting each other."

Traffic is being diverted along Plaistow Lane and buses are going into College Road.

Vehicles leaving the town centre should follow College Road and then go into Homesdale Road.