HUNDREDS of people evacuated from Southampton's most prestigious flats are still waiting to return to their homes.

Residents at the 26-storey Moresby Tower and two other apartment blocks overlooking Ocean Village were told to leave their luxury flats following a flood caused by a burst water main.

The management company, Eastleigh-based SDL Bigwood, had hoped that tenants and owner-occupiers would be allowed back yesterday.

But the occupants of about 300 properties at the showpiece Admirals Quay development had to spend a second night in hotels or with friends and relatives.

An SDL Bigwood spokesman confirmed that residents had not been able to return to their homes but said he was too busy dealing with the issue to make any further comment.

Two letting agencies, Leaders and LetCo, are helping tenants who have been affected.

A LetCo spokesman said: "Residents are not back in their properties yet. We're reliant on information from SDL Bigwood and haven't got a date for when people will go back."

No explanation for the delay in fixing the problems at Blake Buildings, Hawkins Tower and Moresby Tower has been given.

The drama began on Saturday when one of the seals on a water main broke, causing a massive leak that flooded one of the basement areas and knocked out the electricity supply.

As reported in yesterday's Daily Echo, lifts and water pumps stopped working and communal areas including the stairs were plunged into darkness.

Letters sent to residents by SDL Bigwood said: "The safety of all residents is a priority and therefore alternative accommodation must be sought by all residents.

"We are treating this matter extremely seriously and engaging with all necessary contractors to make sure the water and electricity is restored urgently."