HUNDREDS of motorists were caught in traffic chaos after a burst water main caused gridlock in Rayleigh town centre.

Essex and Suffolk Water began emergency repairs at around 5am yesterday after the four-inch main burst in Eastwood Road, near Rayleigh Downs Road.

Drivers were caught in tailbacks created by the temporary traffic lights, as the queues snaked back in every direction.

Assistant manager of Courts florist Angela Deller said: "It was really bad at rush hour I had to drive through the back streets to avoid it.

"I come in from Hockley and it was really busy and it must have affected Crown Hill and the High Street too.

"Whenever there is a problem around Rayleigh the whole area just comes to a complete stop."

Water was cut off to 20 homes and the nearby Silver Jubilee pub was also affected.

Colin Hudson, duty manager at the pub, said he was fortunate the loss of water did not disrupt the pub's trade as the main had been repaired by the time it opened.

He said: "It didn't really affect us and trade is normal.

"If ever there is trouble on the A127 or Eastwood Road, Rayleigh gets so busy."

Bus users wanting to get into Southend were also stuck for more than an hour in the busy traffic.

Claire Bishop, spokeswoman for Essex and Suffolk Water, said: "A water main burst in the early hours and we had to turn the water supply off at 5am to 20 properties. The issue was fixed by 3pm. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."