HOUSEHOLDERS and traders in Cardigan and Newcastle Emlyn are without water today (Wednesday), after a water main burst at Llechryd.

Welsh Water apologised to the thousands of people in mid and west Wales left without water, saying the problem was caused by the rupture of a high-pressure water main.

It is having a significant impact on supplies in Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and as far as Carmarthenshire, with about 2,500 properties affected.

Crymych, Cardigan, Newcastle Emlyn, Newport and Boncath are among the worst hit.

Ysgol y Frenni in Crymych has been closed and pupils sent home, while bottled water is being delivered to vulnerable customers.

A Welsh Water spokesman said: "This main runs from Llechryd water treatment works and helps us provide drinking water to many communities across parts of Cardiganshire and parts of Pembrokeshire.

"The repair has been hampered by significant engineering difficulties, but we are continuing to work around the clock to resolve these issues and restore supplies as safely and as quickly as possible."