Burgess Hill burst water main: Business owners voice frustration

South East Water has started repairs on a burst water main in Burgess Hill.
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The burst, which happened in the early hours of this morning near Burgess Hill Football Club, has left residents without water today (Tuesday, September 22).

A spokesman for the water company said crews were working hard to restore supplies.

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They added: “The water company has started repairs on the damaged 15-inch-diameter trunk main which was discovered near Burgess Hill Football Club.

Emergency crews at the scene in Burgess HillEmergency crews at the scene in Burgess Hill
Emergency crews at the scene in Burgess Hill

“Technicians have isolated the burst pipe meaning most impacted customers in the Haywards Heath area should slowly see their water supply return to normal.

“The burst pipe caused the company’s nearby storage tanks to drain significantly, meaning customers in Burgess Hill are still without supply.”

Bottled water stations are being set up in the area and more information will be provided as soon as they are ready, the spokesman added.

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Customers signed up to the company’s Priority Service Register will have bottled water delivered directly to their door.

Emergency crews at the scene in Burgess HillEmergency crews at the scene in Burgess Hill
Emergency crews at the scene in Burgess Hill

Steve Andrews, head of central operations, said: “We’re really sorry to customers who have gone without water this morning.

“Please be assured we’re doing everything we can to get taps flowing as quickly as possible and that is our absolute priority.

“Unfortunately, the burst pipe meant our underground storage tanks lost a lot of water.

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“As soon as we can get the pipe fixed, the tanks will refill and all customers should see their supplies return.”

Emergency crews at the scene in Burgess HillEmergency crews at the scene in Burgess Hill
Emergency crews at the scene in Burgess Hill

‘Frustrating’

The Green Welly in Ditchling has been forced to close today due to the burst main.

Owner Sue Davis said: “It is just frustrating. There are a lot of unhappy customers. People have travelled over today and didn’t know.”

Susie Macmillan, of Macs Farm, in Ditchling, added: “It happens too often and is a nightmare for animals and poorly and elderly folks.

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“South East Water makes promises they never deliver on, lack of communication to those most at risk and no back up plan either.

“It is shockingly bad and happens far too often, they should be heavily fined if they don’t sort it out.”

Residents have voiced their frustration on social media. Commenting on the Mid Sussex Times’ Facebook page, Pippa Dowden-Yates said: “I have two very poorly children. One has a temperature of 40°, they are both coughing and we cannot get a covid test so have been told to isolate.

“We can’t shower, we are on our last bottle of water and to be honest this is all a nightmare.”

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Trevor Gray also said: “Franklands Village in Haywards Heath with no water and no information – never ending with water companies.”

Sarah Dale said she works from home as a hairdresser, but without water today, she has had to cancel all her appointments.

Tracey Prescott added: “It is not just homes, local businesses affected too. Hair salon Peewees hair ltd cannot provide services today as we are without water.”

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