INVESTIGATIONS are continuing into the reasons behind a huge water leak that affected Bournemouth town centre on Thursday.

Gervis Road near the Square was closed at both ends after a burst water pipe caused the road to flood.

There was also a power cut that affected more than 300 properties but the cause of the problems is still under investigation.

Initially, Bournemouth Water claimed an electricity contractor had struck the water pipe and caused the leak - a suggestion denied by Southern Electric Power Distribution, who said they had no contractors on site when the leak began.

The electricity company said it was the water leak which had caused the power cut, which left shops and businesses without power for around an hour.

Yesterday a spokesperson for Bournemouth Water said repairs were now needed to a bus stop, a section of road and footpath but otherwise damage was minimal.

They said: "Our staff have repaired the water leak during the afternoon of July 2.

"We have backfilled the excavation for the water leak repair but final reinstatement remains outstanding. SSE were also carrying out a repair to an electrical cable nearby.

"As well as final reinstatement to the road and footpath, remedial works are required to the bus stop as part of the kerb was washed away. However, there is no consequential flood damage to surrounding properties.

"Investigations into the cause of the leak are still ongoing."

Bournemouth council declined to comment, saying only that it was down to the water company to make a judgement and assess whether any water pipes needed replacing.