HUNDREDS of leaking pipes were repaired in Welwyn Hatfield last year, figures released by Veolia Water reveal.

The Hatfield-based water company located and fixed 712 leaks in the borough in 2010.

A Veolia spokesman said a combination of ground movement and the cold temperature of the water, brought on by extreme weather, was the main cause of most leaks.

The number of leakage workers at Veolia had doubled since September, to nearly 350, he added.