A WATER leak that has left a pathway “completely soaked with water and mud” has sparked anger from a councillor.

Water has been spilling across Oakridge Road in Basingstoke for more than a week, according to the leader of the Basingstoke and Deane Independents group, Cllr Paul Harvey.

The news comes after fear that Basingstoke could be issued with a hosepipe ban in the near future.

Neighbouring Southern Water introduced a Temporary Use Ban (TUB) in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight on Friday, August 5 covering areas such as Kingsclere, Overton, Whitchurch and Andover.

SEE ALSO: A future without enough water? Together let’s ensure there’s always enough to go round

Basingstoke Gazette: The water leakThe water leak

However, the ban does not apply to those living in Basingstoke as they are supplied by South East Water. 

Bosses at South East Water have said such measures are not yet necessary for its customers in Berkshire and Hampshire.

Despite this Cllr Harvey has been left angry that the leak has been left for such a long time considering the circumstances.

He said: “I am just conscious that everyone momentarily is being asked to conserve water or they are being asked not to use their hosepipe because of the ban. But a week on and I am now escalating this particular leak to get it fixed and it is such a waste of water.

“The pathway is so muddy but it is the only bit of green grass you can see in the street so you can tell there is a water leak.

“It is important because it is reflecting the fact that the water companies are not responding quickly enough to leaks. I am now expecting engineers to come out within the next 48 hours having now escalated it and I will be following this up because I am not prepared to leave this at all.

“It is just the fact they are asking everybody to do their bit and then bosses are quite happy to take their very large bonuses but what they are not doing is protecting and looking after the network.

“So here we have this big water leak with residents reporting it to try to get somewhere with it.”

READ MORE: County councillor fears public transport will not stop traffic problems in Basingstoke and Deane

Cllr Harvey said the water leak is in the “middle of the pavement” with a good “10ft stretch of pathway completely soaked with water and mud”.

A service delivery report completed by The Water Services Regulation Authority for 2020-2021 stated that South East Water "achieve only a small proportion of key common outcomes measures".

Paul Mann, South East Water's distribution manager, comfirmed contractors were hoping to carry out repair work on Monday, August 8.

He said: "We're aware of a leaking stop tap in Oakridge Road, Basingstoke and we are very sorry for any disruption caused.

“During the recent period of hot weather we have seen a 50 per cent increase in burst or leaking water mains across our supply area. This increase is a result of ground movement caused by the lack of rainfall and drying of the soil. We are reacting and repairing these as quickly as we can, prioritising leaks and bursts according to severity. The leak on Oakbridge Road is scheduled to be repaired tonight (Monday).

"Customers can keep up to date with work in their local water network, and report any leaks they spot, via our interactive map inyourarea.digdat.co.uk/southeastwater.”

A message from the editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support.

Subscribing means you have unrestricted access to the latest news and reader rewards - all with an advertising-light website.

Don't take my word for it – subscribe here to see for yourself.

Looking to advertise an event? Then check out our free events guide.

Want to keep up with the latest news and join in the debate? You can find and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.