Burst pipe floods wildlife meadow for fourth time

Restaurant owner Salique Meah received deja vu when an employee at Nellie Restaurant and Bar in Scarisbrick, Lancashire, called him at about 03:00 BST on Tuesday to report that a water pipe had burst and flooded the venue. The incident mirrors a previous flood at the same location on 26 June 2023, which forced a 10-month closure for repairs.

Extent of Damage at Nellie Restaurant and Bar in Lancashire

The damage from the latest burst main proved significantly worse than the 2023 incident. Floodwaters reached the second or third step of the stairs leading to the first floor, submerging the kitchen, lounge bar area, dining room, customer toilets, and cellar.

Meah, who lives in Oldham and owns restaurants in Lancaster, Much Hoole near Preston, and Billinge alongside the Scarisbrick location, stated that water levels hit up to 3ft (0.9m) in places. There was lots of water everywhere in the building, he said, adding that there was not a single salvageable item left inside and predicting substantial financial losses from interrupted business operations.

United Utilities Response and Road Closures on Smithy Lane

The flooding originated from a water pipe located approximately 900m (3,000 ft) uphill from the restaurant on Smithy Lane in Scarisbrick—the exact same main that ruptured during the 2023 flood. United Utilities confirmed that three properties experienced internal flooding due to the burst main.

“We’re very sorry that three properties have experienced internal flooding due to the burst water main. We recognise the distress and disruption this will cause to these customers.”

United Utilities spokesperson

The water firm dispatched specialist teams to liaise with affected property owners and ensure they received necessary support. United Utilities subsequently completed repairs to the burst main and restored water to all customers. Smithy Lane remains closed to traffic for several days to allow crews to finish reinstatement work.

Charity Fundraiser Plans Amid Business Disruption

Despite losing his entire inventory and facing extensive rebuilding work for the second time, Meah remains determined to proceed with a planned charity event on Sunday. He intends to cycle approximately 94 miles across all four of his restaurant locations before finishing in his hometown of Oldham to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.