Water supply continues being restored to all Wealden customers today.
I visited Rotherfield Primary School to speak to its leadership about the issues they are facing and the impact of the ongoing closure of the school on children. After many exchanges with South East Water over many days, I was pleased to learn that bottled water as well as two 1000l tanks were delivered to the school on Friday 16 June, and the leadership is making plans to reopen fully from Monday. I have spoken to the BBC about the challenges and I will be making representations to South East Water to enquire about their model of compensation for schools, care homes and the rest of the public sector.
A temporary hosepipe ban has now been put in place until further notice to help rectify the water supply issues. Read more about what restrictions are in place here.
I have met with the CEO of Wealden District Council and visited local bottled water stations to ensure that sufficient supply is being provided to residents while the issues are ongoing.
On Sunday 18 June, bottled water stations are still in operation from 10:00 - 21:00 at:
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Mayfield Memorial Hall, Court Meadow, Tunbridge Wells Road, Mayfield, TN20 6PJ
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Rotherfield Village Hall, North St, Rotherfield, Crowborough, TN6 3LX
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Sparrows Green Recreation Ground, South View Road, Wadhurst, TN5 6TW
INFORMATION FOR VULNERABLE CUSTOMERS
I am particularly concerned about vulnerable residents during this supply situation. South East Water have confirmed that they have been delivering bottled water to affected customers on the priority services register for vulnerable or disabled customers, or those who have children under the age of 5. For more details on how to join the Priority Service Register, please click here.
Farms and small holdings who do not have mains water can contact South East Water on 0333 000 0002.
South East Water’s response to the ongoing disruption is wholly unacceptable and their lack of communication with customers is appalling. For updates on the situation, please continue checking https://inyourarea.digdat.co.uk/southeastwater?pc=
MY STATEMENT:
“South East Water have failed yet again. It seems that the weather is never right for them to cope with demand as we were in the same situation just last Christmas. After days of urging South East Water to help with the appalling situation by introducing a temporary hosepipe ban, I am pleased that they have finally done so. I know it is not what all local residents wanted, but this measure will increase water supply to Wealden customers by 10%. It is unacceptable that our care homes, schools and farms in particular have been left without water for days on end and I will be enquiring about the South East Water’s emergency plans to deliver water to them, and about their plans for compensation. I met with Wealden District Council CEO and visited local bottled water stations to check that there is enough supply in the meantime and I keep putting pressure on South East Water to prioritise fixing the issues in Crowborough, Rotherfield, Mayfield and Wadhurst so that normal service can be resumed imminently.”
