Mid Buckinghamshire MP Greg Smith has become the latest person to criticise Thames Water over a leak which has allegedly been left flowing for around a month.

The Conservative MP spoke from Peters Lane in Monks Risborough, where residents have complained that fresh water has been running along the road since a main burst during the June heatwave.

Mr Smith said he had reported the leak to Thames Water alongside several others across his constituency and criticised what he described as the company’s slow response.

He said: “The number of Thames Water leaks and burst pipes is getting ridiculous across the constituency, like this one on Peters Lane.

“I have reported it – along with others – but the level of action seems slow.

“When we are all seeing increased bills and told not to use hosepipes, it is imperative Thames Water fix these issues without delay when they occur.

“I will keep on their backs until we see action.”

Mr Smith said another leak had occurred in Longwick the previous week, after an earlier problem there was allegedly left unrepaired for several weeks.

Speaking from Peters Lane, he encouraged residents to report leaks to him so that he could raise them directly with Thames Water.

He added: “I’ve reported this one along with many others across the whole constituency.

“We saw yet another one in Longwick only last week after they left the previous one for weeks and weeks and weeks without getting it repaired.

“It’s not good enough that they can’t get on the ground right away while we are all being told we can’t use our hosepipes and, not get leaks like this fixed.

“I’m going to keep on their back and please do report them to me where you see them so I can feed that through to Thames Water and hassle them to get action.”

His intervention follows criticism from Peters Lane resident Christian Harris, who said that the leak had become so severe that parts of the road resembled a river.

Mr Harris claimed Thames Water had received multiple reports about the burst main and had told him it intended to resolve the problem, but no repair had been carried out.

He said: “Peters Lane is a river running for around half a mile. Fresh water is being wasted day and night.

“We have been in extensive discussions with Thames Water but nothing is happening.”

The criticism comes after Thames Water announced a hosepipe ban affecting around 10.1 million customers across London, the Thames Valley and the Home Counties following prolonged hot and dry weather.