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Update on discussions about burst water mains in Benfleet

This week at the meeting of Cabinet, Councillor Dave Blackwell, Leader of the Council, addressed members on talks with Essex and Suffolk Water regarding burst water pipes at Tarports/ Sadler's farm.

Councillor Blackwell said the following.

"As I am sure Members are aware, since September 2021 there have been significant issues with burst water pipes in the Tarpots and Sadler Farm area of our borough. This has led to major disruption and resulted in significant difficulties for residents.

Following the latest bursts in December of last year I am pleased to be able to inform Cabinet that I met with representatives of Essex and Suffolk Water (ESW) on January 26th for what turned out to be a highly productive meeting.

For its part ESW explained the reasons for the burst water mains and the actions it has taken and intend to take in relation to aging pipes in the Tarpots and Sadler Farm area:

Firstly, infrastructure at the Tarpots crossroads is old. Many of the pipes are made of cement which is fragile and prone to failing.  ESW has now installed new connections to the strategic main and bypassed the ageing pipework at the junction. This work took 18 months to plan and complete and finished in January.

Secondly, where further bursts have occurred, mainly during winter due to the freezing, repairs have involved installing modern values and pipework.

At our meeting I outlined to ESW the stresses that these burst water mains placed both on the road network and on our residents. I was pleased to hear that it is already undertaking a feasibility study into investing £450k in work to replace the remaining cast iron mains with modem fixing in the Tarpots and Sadlers farm area.  While this may cause some disruption in the short-term, it will benefit us all in the long term. ESW has assured me that they are working with all parties to minimise any disruption.

As Leader of this Council, what is important to me is that we are developing a productive relationship and have open dialogue with ESW. I am keen to ensure the company remains fully aware of the lived experience of our residents and the disruption they face when water mains burst. I am pleased we have opened up communication channels where this can be communicated to ESW in an effective way and feel assured our concerns will be met with a positive and proactive response.

I would like to thank ESW for being so receptive to our concerns and looking forward to meeting again in the near future to hear more about their forthcoming projects in our district."