Charities share £50,000 Community Fund

Good causes in the Crowborough and surrounding areas have received a share of a £50,000 community fund set up after water supply issues in the area at the end of last year.

South East Water joined with Wealden MP Nusrat Ghani to distribute the cash to 21 charities with each organisation receiving grants towards their projects.

Groups and organisations were chosen by a judging panel after being invited to apply for a share of the fund. It was set up to thank the community for its patience when a rapid freeze-thaw weather event in December caused widespread interruption to tap water supplies.

Representatives from the charities received their cheques at a ceremony in Crowborough.

South East Water’s Customer Service Director Tanya Sephton said: “We know it was a very tough time for the whole community, especially as it happened during the festive season.

“The weather is outside of our control and when sudden, big changes in temperature happen, it can have a huge impact, causing leaks and bursts both on our network and on customers’ pipework. This is what happened in December.

“We take our role as a responsible water company seriously and wanted to thank residents in Crowborough and the surrounding areas for their understanding. This is a gesture which will have a long term benefit for everyone – and there’s no better way than to support the tireless work of the great causes which are right at the heart of the community. A big thank you to them all.”

Nusrat Ghani MP said: “The December outages were hugely disruptive and unacceptable.

“I have been persistently campaigning for individual payments to all households affected and I am pleased to have secured compensation to over 430 more South East Water customers.

“I welcome this additional grant of £50,000 that is being distributed amongst our fantastic local charities who provide vital services and support for Wealden communities and will benefit from this much-needed funding boost.”