Residents had to collect drinking water from an emergency tap after a main water pipe burst.

Essex and Suffolk Water engineers were called on site yesterday morning at Audley Way, Basildon, to investigate the cause of the accident.

The company have been called to The Gore area for the second time in a week after a water pipe also burst on Friday.

A spokesman for Essex and Suffolk Water said: “Engineers have been dealing with a water main burst this morning on Audley Way, Basildon. This follows on from a previous burst last week in a similar area.Investigation continues as to the cause of the bursts.

“Customers in the immediate area are expected to be without their water supplies until late this afternoon and have had a letter to keep them informed. Essex and Suffolk Water would like to apologise for the disruption caused and to reassure customers we are working to repair the burst.

“A standpipe has been set up on The Gore at the junction with Blake Avenue for drinking water supplies.”

Andrew Buxton, Labour councillor representing St Martins, said: “I was walking past the area last Tuesday night, and I noticed the water pipe was marked a blue circle. So I thought the company must be aware of it, and perhaps they didn’t think the situation was that bad.

“Some of the water pipes in this area are more than 50 years old so it’s probably come to its end. Thankfully it didn’t flood any houses, and it doesn’t happen often in Basildon.”

Basildon had suffered an extreme case of flooding caused by a burst water pipe in May 2015.

A water main burst in Broadmayne where gallons of water poured down into the houses on the road and into Honeypot Lane.

Firefighters from Basildon, Orsett, Grays and Wickford spent four hours pumping water out of the street.

Mr Buxton said: “I urge residents to look out for any red flag signs for burst water pipes.

“If it hasn’t been raining for two to three weeks, and you notice a puddle that doesn’t go away and it keeps getting bigger, you should contact Essex and Suffolk Water.

“Even if it’s nothing, it’s better safe than sorry.”