Mid Sussex water supply issues: grants now available from £50,000 fund set up by South East Water

The water supply issues were related to the prolonged cold weather, the company said, with a sudden rise in temperatures affecting pipes both on South East Water’s network and in customers’ homes.

In late December last year an interactive South East Water map showed that customers were affected in West Hoathly, Sharpthorne and Crawley. Leaks were also reported in Hurstpierpoint, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Wivesfield Green, Chailey, Newick and Ditchling.

A South East Water spokesperson said: “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.”

People can apply at www.southeastwater.co.uk/about/community/mid-sussex-community-fund by telling the company in 100 words or fewer how a grant of up to £2,000 would help their charity. The closing date for applications is May 14 (5pm).

Mid Sussex MP Mims Davies encouraged charities to submit a bid. She said: “This is a real great opportunity in tough times to get an extra funds boost to coffers that can be used to further support members of our wonderful local community and its brilliant charities and organisations.”

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.”

She added: “We take our role as a local responsible water company seriously and wanted to thank Mid Sussex 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.”