Homes across north Norfolk have been left without running water for a number of days due to burst pipes.

Residents from Northrepps, Cromer and the Runtons have reported they've either had no water, or very low pressure, since yesterday afternoon.

An Anglian Water spokesperson said: 'Like everywhere else across the country the hard freeze of last week has now turned into a rapid thaw. This has led to a number of bursts and leaks across the region -including the North Norfolk area.

'In the Felbrigg, West Runton and East Runton area, we have a cluster of around 40 properties affected by a couple of issues on the local pipe network.

'These are likely to be properties on higher ground affected by the slightly lower pressure we are seeing in the network, as the vast majority of customers have water as normal.

'We appreciate some of these 40 customers have been affected for the past day though, and we are really sorry for the longer-then-usual disruption this has caused.

'During today, we have hand-delivered bottled water to vulnerable customers on our WaterCare register and three local care homes who needed special assistance.'

Anglian Water said it had set-up a bottled water collection point for customers at Runton Road NNDC Car Park, Cromer, NR27 9AU. Bottle water will be available for collection from 6.30pm 'around the clock', the spokesperson said.

'For local updates please visit our In Your Area page on the Anglian Water website (anglianwater.co.uk/yourarea). Customers can sign-up for text alerts to get the latest information relevant to their postcode.'

Claire Louise Green who lives in Northrepps said: 'I've had no water since 2pm yesterday and with a four year old and a seven month old it's a nightmare. Going through bottled water like nobody's business.'

Rachael Welda Verlander who is also based in Northrepps said: ' We have just a dribble in White House Estate. Enough to get a glass of water, not enough to get the shower running.'

The Anglian Water spokesman added: 'Leaks on customers' own pipes are a real concern. We would urge customers to:

• Locate your stop tap – this should be turned off immediately if you do have a leak in the home.

• Keep the name of an approved plumber handy – watersafe.org.uk has a list of accredited plumbers

• Check your pipework inside the home for any signs of damage

• Check your driveway and outside of your property. Standing water that is not snowmelt or rain may be due to a leak and a plumber may need to investigate it for you.

'If you do have a burst pipe in your home:

• Turn off the mains water supply to your home by turning off your stop tap

• Call an accredited plumber.'