Good Evening.
I appreciate that updates have been quiet for a couple of weeks. I would like to share with you, a signee of the petition, some updates surrounding what has been going on behind the scenes.
- Our petition has reached over 400+ signatures, again, we know that this issue is frustrating for all residents, and we thank you for the continued support;
- Maidstone Borough Council have been contacted with the weight of the petition demanding a response. This is their reply;
"Good morning,
Thank you for your report which has been logged under reference 26/515744/EDRPUB.
I appreciate the frustration this situation is causing. From the information you have provided, this appears to relate to a leak within the public highway and the actions of the water utility company. Responsibility for investigating and repairing public water supply leaks rests with South East Water.
As this matter concerns the water network and associated repair works, it falls outside the Council's enforcement powers. I would therefore encourage you to continue reporting the issue directly to South East Water and to provide them with any evidence you have gathered, including details of the recurring leak, photographs, and the concerns raised within your petition.
If there are concerns about highway safety, these can also be reported to Kent County Council Highways for their consideration.
Thank you again for bringing this matter to our attention. While the Council is unable to intervene directly in the repair of the leak, I hope the above information assists you in pursuing the matter with the organisations responsible.
Kind regards,
Miss Kiran Pal
Cmomunity Protection Investigations Officer"
- Local newspapers have been reaching out to myself and local businesses asking for interviews and photographs to gain traction to the issue. This is still in process.
- Our petition was sent to Katie Lam, our MP for the Weald Of Kent. Katie and her team contacted South East Water multiple times. Their most recent reply is below;
"Dear XXXX
Sorry for the delay in responding to this query. It took a while to get a response, which then arrived when I was on leave.
Following the initial excavation, the leak was not located. Continuing to extend the excavation would have left us with insufficient reinstatement material to complete the job, so the area was reinstated that same night and further investigations were arranged.
Subsequent leak detection has now pinpointed the leak 8 meters away from the original excavation site. This repair has been scheduled for out-of-hours work tonight (though as always scheduled repairs may be postponed if a more urgent incident occurs).
I am very sorry for the frustration caused to your constituents by the repeated streetworks. We appreciate how disruptive these can be for those living nearby, especially when they take place overnight.
Best wishes
Colin
Colin Martin
Stakeholder Officer - Western Region"
- What else can we do to help?
- Continue to share and spread word about the petition. More numbers means more recognition. With the winter months approaching, we cannot afford to have frozen patches on our roads exposing risks to cyclists and pedestrians, especially our elderly members of the community;
2. Put further pressure on Maidstone Borough Council to get involved. Send emails to KiranPal@Maidstone.gov.uk quoting reference 26/515744/EDRPUB demanding that they collaborate with the authorities to resolve our issue;
3. Put further pressure on South East Water to correct the issue and finally fix the leak. Email community@southeastwater.co.uk with your views, pictures, stories and opinions regarding the leak.
4. Use the following address to report the leak to Kent Highways so that this is highlighted and prioritized amongst other issues involving leak repairs.
As always, many thanks for your support. Remember, sub zero temperatures around the corner, it may be one of you laying on the ice waiting for an ambulance. Keep fighting the good fight.