Approximately 31,000 properties in East Sussex, including St Leonards-on-Sea and Hastings, are currently without water due to a burst water main. The incident, initially reported on Thursday, has caused significant disruptions, with Southern Water indicating that the situation could persist into the weekend.

The burst pipe is situated in a challenging location within Keeper’s Wood, described by Southern Water spokesperson Tim McMahon as the most difficult he has encountered in his 20-year career. Accessing the site has necessitated the felling of 50 trees.

As a result, local schools, a leisure centre, and a theatre have had to shut down temporarily. The crisis coincides with the Jack in the Green festival in Hastings, further complicating the community’s challenges.

Southern Water has set up bottled water stations and is actively delivering water to over 6,000 customers listed on its priority services register, which includes vulnerable individuals. Despite their efforts, some residents, like Lesley Arshad from St Leonards, reported being omitted from the priority list, leading to concerns over fairness and accessibility.

The water shortage has also impacted local businesses. The Highlands Inn Hotel & Bar, among others, faces potential revenue losses due to reduced customer attendance and the necessity to cancel bookings.

Southern Water continues its efforts to rectify the situation and restore water supply as swiftly as possible, while keeping affected residents and businesses informed of progress.