HUNDREDS of workers at the Hampshire headquarters of DIY giant B&Q were sent home today after problems with water supplies hit hundreds of homes and businesses.
Staff at B&Q's Chandler's Ford administration base were given the surprise day off when water supplies were cut off because of a burst main.
Engineers from Southern Water were alerted to the problem at 6.30am today after a burst to a 15in diameter cast iron trunk main in Bournemouth Road, Chandler's Road.
Water supplies have been affected to homes and businesses in the Bassett area of Southampton and the village of Chilworth.
A Southern Water spokeswoman said repairs would not be completed until later this afternoon.
The B&Q office is home to about 1,200 staff.
The problem has also hit the giant Asda store in Bournemouth Road, Chandler's Ford.
Fresh food service areas and the restaurant have had to close but the sale of groceries and non-food items are carrying on as normal.
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