Water supply is cut off in blunder

A butcher with a bucket of water had to come to the rescue of a customer at a Black Country hair salon after a water company accidentally cut off supplies.

Residents and office workers were also affected after a neighbouring pub failed to pay its bill in Wednesbury. Helen Evans, who runs Masterkutz in Union Street, was without water since 10am on Wednesday.

The problem arose after an outstanding bill for The George Inn was not paid to South Staffs Water.

Mother-of-one Mrs Evans was in the middle of dying a customer's hair when she realised she had been cut off.

Landsfield Nursing Agency workers in the offices above the pub were also cut off as were residents on the corner of Union Street and Upper High Street.

Mrs Evans, who lives with her husband Steve, said: "It's ridiculous, I had a woman in the sink with her hair being dyed and the water was cut off.

"Punch Taverns had not bothered to let us know. Luckily the butcher across the road saw what was going on and dashed over with a bucket to help out.

"If you leave dye in, people's hair can fall out."

Mrs Evans said Masterkutz, Landsfield and the residents paid separate water bills but relied on one street feed.

Mike Turrell, spokesman for South Staffs Water, said the supply was cut after the pub's owners did not pay their bills but the company was unaware it would affect other properties.

The water supply was reconnected late yesterday.

Alice Bowden, spokeswoman from Punch Taverns, said the issue arose after the former tenant did not pay their bill.

She added: "The situation regarding the water supply at The George Inn and other affected businesses is extremely unfortunate.

"The issue has arisen as the former tenant left the pub without settling their water bill."