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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Lydia Stephens

Two schools shut and thousands left without water for days as pipes burst

At least two schools will remain closed today after Wales' big freeze caused pipes to burst in west Wales. Thousands of people have also been left without running water. A number of villages in the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire areas have been without water since 9pm on Saturday night.

Schools in Aberaeron and Llandysul were both expected to be closed on Monday. Welsh Water has arranged for bottled water collection points in two areas, however some residents face needing to drive over 45 minutes to access the collection points due to how large the affected area is.

Robin from Llangain, in Carmarthenshire said he received a text saying his water was off at 9pm on Saturday night. He said people in nearby Llansteffan still have water and have been offering for other locals to visit their homes to fill up bottles as the collection points in Llandysul and Newcastle Emlyn are over 45 minutes away. Robin said: "We keep getting updates that it is going to be sorted in six hours and then by that point it updates again to another six hours. We just don't know what is going on."

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A mum of two, Danielle Jones, said she has been without water since Saturday morning and is struggling to get reserves in for her children, age five and seven. The family live in north Cardigan and said they are aware of some people nearby who have not had water since Friday night.

Danielle said: "We reported it Saturday morning and we were told it was likely a frozen pipe in the area and that it would be back on that afternoon, by the time we got home we realised it was more widespread. We were told it was something to do with the reservoir that they were struggling to get water from there.

"Because we are classed as a priority as we have a child under five they told us they would send water out but we haven't had any yet. We are about 40 minutes from Llandysul so we can't go there, luckily I was able to add some water to our Asda delivery on Saturday night.

"I'm not as worried about us but I know there are so many elderly people in the area, how are they getting water? I expect the shops in our area are completely sold out of water now. Also families with young babies who need formula, you can't make formula without water."

Local councillor Elizabeth Evans has used her Facebook page to keep residents up to date with what is going on. On Sunday, she said: "There may not be water over the next few days. Ceredigion Council are trying to procure water to everyone that needs it, even though this is the responsibility of Dwr Cymru.

"Please do not rely on the information on the Dwr Cymru website, there is a delay in information coming through. School - parents will be notified this evening if those schools affected, will be opening tomorrow.

"Care homes - water is being delivered and toilets will be provided where necessary. Leisure centres - will update when we know more. Businesses - you may not have water to function. Particularly check if you have running water before switching on your coffee machines, as the elements will burn."

Ysgol Bro Teifi in Llandysul is not open to pupils on Monday, and other schools are expected to stay closed too. On its website, a statement from Dwr Cymru says: "We're sorry to any customers that may still be experiencing no water or low pressure at the moment. Due to current weather conditions, we're currently dealing with an increased number of issues across our network.

"Our teams are working hard across our operational area to resolve these issues as quickly as possible. Tankers are being used to refill our water mains to help restore supplies."

Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron posted on Facebook: "There is no water on site (a situation which has affected much of West Ceredigion). We will receive updates from Welsh Water tomorrow and pass on all information received. Pupils should view Teams for provision during the day."

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