North Bar Street in Banbury has been closed after a water main burst near Three Pigeons traffic lights.

The road is set to be closed for the rest of the week to allow repairs to take place.

Thames Water said the pipe, which is 12in in diameter, burst in the early hours of this morning.

Spokeswoman Becky Trotman said: "We’re sorry we’ve had to shut the road.

"When the pipe burst the high water pressure caused a lot of damage to the road surface so at the moment is isn’t safe for traffic.

"We’ve already begun fixing the pipe and then we’ll start repairing the road.

"This work is likely to continue until later this week.”

Traffic is extremely heavy in the area this morning following the closure.

More to follow.

A burst water main has forced the closure of two of the district council's car parks in Banbury.

Thames Water was called to North Bar yesterday following reports of the burst pipe and has implemented a road closure between Horsefair and the junction with Southam Road and Castle Street.

As a result, the North Bar East short stay and North Bar West long stay car parks have been closed.

This closure is expected to remain in place for the rest of this week while repair and resurfacing works are carried out by Thames Water.

Season ticket holders are being advised to find alternative parking during the closure. The nearest short stay car park is at Horsefair while the closest long stay provision is on South Bar or at Compton Road.

Cherwell District Council apologises for any inconvenience caused by the unplanned closure. Anyone with any questions about car parking should contact the council on 01295 227008. A map showing the location of all car parks can be found at www.cherwell.gov.uk

For updates on the Thames Water situation call 0800 3169800.