Today my office met with South East Water to discuss their decision to introduce a hosepipe ban. We were informed that this measure has been taken to mitigate the likelihood of further water outages, similar to those experienced all too regularly in the first half of this year.
I know this will be frustrating for many constituents, particularly given the repeated disruption to water supply in recent months, and I share that frustration at the situation we have reached.
Earlier this week, I wrote to the new CEO of South East Water to request a meeting to discuss water supply issues and the need for significant investment in infrastructure across Maidstone and Malling.
I will continue to hold South East Water to account on the decisions they take which impact my constituents, as well as oppose inappropriate planning applications that threaten to further strain water supply locally.
To this end, I was very pleased to learn that the Bradbourne planning application for 1,300 homes between Ditton and Hermitage Lane was rejected (subject to a costs report) last night.
I will continue to work with all stakeholders on these crucial issues.
