A NUMBER of businesses were forced to close after a burst water pipe caused flooding in the Market Place Shopping Centre this morning.

The incident, which occurred in a four inch water main, happened at 4.30am, and led to water cascading from the plant room above the rear of the Neo arts unit.

It was spotted by a member of the shopping centre's security staff.

The pipe is believed to have burst as a result of the recent freezing temperatures.

A number of units were affected by the floods, including New Look, the newly reopened Bank restaurant in The Vaults, and the Lost Valley adventure golf course within Amazonia

New Look, the Bank and the the mini golf were closed yesterday while clean-up operations were carried out.

The rest of the Amazonia children's adventure area remains open.

The escalators leading down to The Vaults, beneath the shopping centre, were also taken out of operation temporarily.

Staff have been in the centre since early morning.

Nikki Wilson-Cook, centre manager, said: "We apologise to customers for any inconvenience as a result of this incident which was completely beyond our control.

"We are working hard to clean up the affected units so they can be back up and running as soon as possibly.

"In the meantime, the remainder of the centre, including the cinema and other units in The Vaults, is open for business as usual."

A post on the shopping centre's Twitter account read: "Market Place has experienced a burst pipe over night which has led to The Bank, New Look Women and Amazonia to close temporarily.

"We're working to rectify this as soon as possible. The rest of the centre remains open as usual."