A HAMPSHIRE pub forced to close after flooding has reopened following a clear-up.

The Forest Inn in Ashurst was filled with water from a burst water main, which also left around 60 homes in the village without water.

Southern Water engineers were dispatched after those living on the A35 woke up with water flooding into their gardens on Thursday.

The road was reopened with temporary signals in place.

Dee Langa, manager at the Forest Inn, said: “It was a bit of a nightmare as there was a mix of clay and water coming up. Outside is worse, we are waiting for it to dry.

“We re-opened on Friday. It was just the mess of it really. There wasn’t too much damage done, it all seems to be alright.

“We will be keeping our sandbags to be prepared in case it happens again.”

In a statement, Southern Water said water supply was suspended in order to allow repair work on the A35.

They added: “Our crew has worked hard to minimise the loss of water supply to nearby properties and, using specialist pressure valves, they have managed to decrease the number who would be affected from several hundred to 60.”

The company thanked motorists and residents for their patience during the repairs.