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Water relief!

21/12/2007

THREE families who were fearing a bleak winter without water are now set for a festive season to remember after their supply was reconnected just in time.

The nightmare lasted more than a fortnight for residents living in Bury Road, Oakenrod, and the situation worsened when they were informed by United Utilities that it wasn’t the company’s responsibility to carry out repairs.

However, local councillors and the Observer rallied to ensure they wouldn’t have a miserable Christmas and United Utilities’ bosses relented.

After 15 days relying on the generosity of neighbours, their supply was eventually restored on Wednesday evening.

Diana Proctor was one of the affected homeowners.

She was too upset to talk to the Observer, but her brother, Rodney Hornsey, said: "Three families live at these houses.

"There’s my sister and her husband David, an elderly couple and a young family with several children.

"It was an absolute nightmare for everyone concerned.

"Other people on the street who weren’t affected helped out by donating water and offering to wash their clothes, but it’s something that you don’t want to happen, especially at this time of the year.

"The only good thing about it was it showed that the community spirit is still alive and we’ll all be able to have a great Christmas now the problem’s fixed. Thanks to everyone who helped us."

The water supply to the three properties was cut off following recent repairs to Bury Road and Mr Hornsey feels the work contributed to the problem and he’s grateful that residents weren’t left to foot the bill.

He added: "We contacted councillors James and Jane Gartside to see if they could look into the problem and see if the council can do anything to help.

"They were fantastic with us and we’re so grateful. Having the water back on is like getting the best Christmas present in the world."

Cllr Jane Gartside said: "It was very worrying for these residents. We’re very pleased it’s been resolved."

Christian Ewen, from United Utilities, said: "The initial reports we received regarding this matter indicated that the leak occurred within the customers’ boundary.

"Given the complex nature of the responsibility of boundaries, our investigation has taken longer than we would have liked and we apologise."