Major water mains incident near Hastings: latest updates and advice to residents

Richard Parker-Harding, the head of environmental health at Rother and Wealden Councils, said the supply of water from Darwell reservoir to the Baldslow treatment plant in Hastings failed on Monday morning (April 27).

This meant water supplies to Battle (south), Brede, Broad Oak, Crowhurst, Guestling, Sedlescombe (South), and Westfield were affected.

The Hastings network of drinking water has also been impacted. The water supply will cease ‘imminently’, Mr Parker-Harding added.

Southern Water has identified the burst and said it is working hard to repair it.

However, a spokesman said it is affecting a large water main which is in a difficult location and may take some to fully repair.

They have advised residents to stay at home, adding: “As we are in lockdown, we strongly urge our customers to follow government advice and stay at home.”

Vulnerable customers are also being prioritised for deliveries of bottled water.

A spokesman for Southern Water said they will announce how this can be accessed for the wider public.

“We will keep our customers updated through different channels as regularly as we can,” the spokesman said.

“If you feel as though you should be part of the priority services register and aren’t already, please contact our hotline on 0800 027 0800. During the Covid crisis you can call on behalf of a close relative.”