Communities in Crowborough to benefit from a £50,000 fund

Wealden residents are being invited to apply for grants from a special Community Fund set up by South East Water, following the supply problems some customers experienced last December.

These water supply issues were related to prolonged cold weather and then rapid rise in temperatures affecting pipes both on South East Water’s network and in customers’ houses in Crowborough.

Over the space of just 24 hours, the south east experienced a rapid rise in temperature of 20 degrees from minus seven to plus 13 which led to an outbreak of bursts and leaks on the pipe network that drained water supplies.

Those customers directly affected have been personally compensated, however recognising the wider impact on the community, the company has also set up a £50,000 community fund to help charities in the constituency.

Trevor Scott, Wealden District Council Chief Executive said: “The water outages last December caused major disruption and left many households and businesses without water for many days before Christmas.

“I am pleased to hear those customers have been compensated and that South East Water is recognising the impact these outages had on the community as a whole, through this special community fund, which will benefit a number of good causes.”

Tanya Sephton, Customer Services Director at South East Water, said: “We know this 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 local responsible water company seriously and wanted to thank Wealden residents 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.”

Applications can be made at www.southeastwater.co.uk/crowborough.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on 12 May.