Hawkhurst to receive new water main to reduce bursts

South East Water is investing £350,000 into improving the water network in Hawkhurst by replacing a series of old, unreliable water mains in Heartenoak Road, Whites Lane and private land.

The company will start work on 26 July and the project is expected to take 19 weeks to complete.

Replacing the old pipelines, totalling one kilometre, will improve the resilience of the water network in the area, reducing the risk of bursts and disruptive emergency repairs.

There have been seven bursts on these sections of pipe in the last eight years causing disruption to the community’s drinking water supplies.

Jeremy Dufour, Project Manager for South East Water, said: “It is crucial we replace these sections of old pipework to reduce the likelihood of bursts in the area and to secure the top-quality drinking water supply to residents for years to come.

“Although most of our work will take place in private land, as a safety precaution for motorists, pedestrians and our workforce we will need to close Whites Lane and Heartenoak Road when laying the pipes in the carriageway.”

The company will be closing the following roads during their project:

• Whites Lane from the junction of Water Lane, 450m down to Duvals Farm entrance
• Heartenoak Road from the entrance to Hawkhurst House Nursing down to Ockley Lane
• Heartenoak Road between the junctions of Ten Oaks Farm and 65 metres down to the next private road junction next to Hawkhurst Salvage yard.

Jeremy continued: “Our diversion routes which have been agreed by Kent Highways will be signposted for the duration of the closures.

“I’d like to thank the residents of Hawkhurst in advance for their patience and understanding while we carry out this essential work.”

This scheme forms part of the company’s £433 million investment programme between 2020 and 2025.

For more information on the work visit the dedicated webpage here: corporate.southeastwater.co.uk/Hawkhurst