DOZENS of families on a Droitwich estate were told to expect a water shortage of up to 33 hours when a water main burst in a street.

The four-inch water main burst around 2pm yesterday in Oakham Drive, Chawson.

A crew from Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade were called to the estate after reports that the road was flooded but the firefighters were not needed by Severn Trent Water.

Residents had been told to go and buy their own stocks of fresh water as work to repair the main could have taken up to 33 hours.

"I'm a bit concerned that they'll go this long without a fresh supply," Droitwich town councillor John Cook said when he heard the news.

"There are lots of families with young children and elderly people who live around here.

"I called Severn Trent and they told me that they wouldn't even bring out a bowser for them."

Forty-five properties were hit by the burst pipe.

Severn Trent workmen arrived in the street at around 4.30pm yesterday to begin work fixing the main.

The water supply was fully restored by 8pm.