BUSINESS owners claim firefighters were 'hampered for nearly an hour' when tacking a major blaze at an industrial estate last week.

On Wednesday, emergency services teams rushed to a workshop fire in the Station Yard area of Innerleithen.

Three industrial units, including a motorcycle repair shop, were ravaged by the flames.

But one company reckons poor water pressure slowed down crews who were forced to turn to the River Tweed.

In a social media statement, manufacturing firm ColourWorks said it had raised concerns over its supply five years ago: "Unfortunately as a result of the fire nearly six years of hard work at Unit A has gone up in smoke. However, at least no one was injured.

"Thanks to everyone who has rallied round, it's a testament to the great spirit of camaraderie and cooperation that exists within the small business community in Station Yard and nearby.

"Our thanks also goes out to the Innerleithen Fire Crew who were first on the scene and tried to save the Unit. Worryingly for anyone lives in the area, they were hampered for nearly an hour by poor mains pressure. This is somewhat ironic, considering the five-year nightmare I've had with Business Stream and Scottish Water regarding my supply."

The claims have also led to calls for an investigation.

Tweeddale East councillor Stuart Bell (SNP) told us: "A problem with the water pressure is not something I have encountered before in Innerleithen, but I think it is important that clarification is established. I have heard reports that there was problems with the water pressure [last week] and it is a matter of concern.

"I think it is important that these claims are investigated."

Scottish Water, however, denied the town has a problem with its supply.

A spokeswoman said: “There is ample water supply and pressure in Innerleithen for all our customers and businesses.

“Our network is not designed to provide large volumes of water at one time. As the fire service would have been using a significant amount of water when attending this incident this could have impacted the pressure throughout our network at that time.

“If there is a major incident, such as a fire, our engineers are on call 24/7 to assist.”

Mike Jaffray, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s group manager for the Scottish Borders added: “While fighting a significant fire, firefighters will use their expert judgement and experience to decide if additional water supplies should be sourced to augment their existing water supply.

“Ultimately, firefighters use their training and experience to decide as and when additional water supplies should be accessed.

“On this occasion, firefighters accessed water from the nearby River Tweed, which allowed them to contain and extinguish this fire.

“This incident was brought to a safe conclusion and I would like to thank our crews for their efforts.”