Thousands In Yorkshire Urged To Boil Tap Water

Thousands of people in South Yorkshire are being urged to boil tap water before they use it for drinking or cooking.

Around 3,600 properties in parts of Thorne, near Doncaster, are affected after high levels of bacteria were found.

Earlier, residents were being urged not to use their tap water altogether, but laboratory tests have concluded it is safe to drink as long as it is boiled first.

"This should significantly reduce the inconvenience being felt by these customers, as it means that they won't have to go and fetch alternative supplies," Yorkshire Water said.

Yorkshire Water said affected homes may notice a slight odour in their water supply, which is caused by elevated levels of chlorine.

Former Labour leader Ed Miliband, whose constituency covers Moorends, had said he was "very concerned" by the situation.

A bottled water collection point in Moorends is now being gradually phased out.

Although a new collection point is being opened at Trinity Academy School in Thorne, this water must also be boiled before it is ready to drink.

An investigation has now begun into the exact cause of the contamination.