A CRACKED pipe in Richmond is wreaking havoc by spewing out water which is turning to ice in cold weather, causing at least two people to fall over, residents claim.

The pipe is on the corner of Queens Road and Park Road and those living nearby have complained to Thames Water, Richmond upon Thames Council and the Environment Agency, saying this has been a problem since early November.

David Connolly of Park Road said: "Over the weekend there was a sheet of ice on the pavement.

"I fell over on it and it was very lucky my dog didn't fall in the road and get run over. My clothes were soaking wet. It's a good job I'm strong, I could've broken my arm. I saw a woman fall over too.

"I rang the council to complain. They said it was Thames Water's fault, but even if that's right, the council should have gritted the pavement. It's an absolute disgrace.

"The leak's been there for months. It's really dangerous, terrible."

Another nearby resident, Barbara Humber said: "Water is spewing out. The corner's flooded at the best of times but if a car comes round the corner you get splashed.

"One man went flying. My daughter is distraught by it, she has three young children."

Her daughter Nicola Humber, said: "I've been complaining to Thames Water and the council for months. The council keeps sending people out. There was a blocked drain, which the council cleared, but then they said there's a cracked main as well, which is Thames Water's responsibility.

"But Thames Water say they've looked at it and there isn't a cracked main.

"An old man went flying on the ice the other day. It's absolutely lethal. People have to go round the corner clinging to the wall. No-one can be bothered to do anything about it."

Thames Water maintain that they were contacted back in November and they went down to investigate after residents initially advised them.

A spokesperson said: "It's a mystery. We have actually gone to the extent of draining down the main water main and the leak just kept on going.

"It is not actually coming from our network. Apparently Richmond council were contacted and their reports were inconclusive.

"We don't want water leaking out all over the place. We have a night team who go out and investigate and this has been passed onto them now. But we are pretty sure it is not coming from our main.

"We do want to get to the bottom of this."

A Richmond upon Thames Council spokesman said: "Although this matter is the responsibility of Thames Water, the council is putting pressure on them to carry out repairs as a matter of urgency.

"We have erected warning signs to alert motorists and pedestrians to the dangers of ice."