Water firm pledges £750k to fix pipes in Maldon District

The Standard contacted Essex & Suffolk Water on behalf of residents living in Lodge Lane, Purleigh, who have faced leaks and disruption for months.

Water mains have burst five times since October last year, prompting calls from residents for them to be replaced.

Now, the firm has vowed to improve infrastructure in the village and throughout the Maldon District.

Resident James Ovel, 71, described it as “a bloody nuisance” but has “no gripe” with the engineers working to repair the burst main.

“It’s certain to happen because the pipes are old and decrepit”, Mr Ovel told the Standard.

Significant - gaps up to nine inches deep have been carved into the road surface. (Image: Stephen Huntley)

Mr Ovel says gaps up to nine inches deep were “washed away” from the dirt track leading up to his home, by water leaking from the burst main.

“I chose to fill in the holes myself, as delivery drivers and guests couldn’t get through,” he said.

“That’s not to say the water company wouldn’t eventually do it – they’re just not quick enough for me.”

Nuisance - residents have taken to repairing the road surface themselves. (Image: Stephen Huntley)

Essex & Suffolk Water says it has repaired more than 4,150 leaks and burst mains so far this year, as it battles a surge in faults during the ongoing drought.

A spokesperson said the firm was “very sorry” about the issues Lodge Lane residents were facing.

“We recognise there have been a number of bursts in Purleigh over the last year and appreciate how frustrating these can be for customers,” they said.

Gushing - water flowing from the burst main. (Image: Stephen Huntley)

“We’re really sorry about this and we've already started planning a £750,000 scheme to renew water mains in the area.

 “This investment forms part of a wider multi-million-pound programme across the rural Maldon district, and we'll be speaking to residents as plans progress."

The company said prolonged dry weather and a series of summer heatwaves have caused ground movement, putting pressure on underground pipes and leading to more bursts, particularly in areas with clay soil.

Work in progress - a road closure is in place while engineers carry out repairs. (Image: Stephen Huntley)

Additional repair teams are working around the clock to find and fix leaks, while £66 million is being invested over the next four years to improve the network and replace ageing pipes.

The temporary hosepipe ban remains in force across Essex.