Water Shortage in Forest Row

Much of Forest Row currently has no water. SE Water’s latest statement is that this situation is likely to last until at least the end of this weekend.

The primary responsibility for supplying emergency water lies with the utility company; a legal duty to provide drinking water to the public, and an overriding duty to supply to the vulnerable. So far this has been unsatisfactory, with supplies available only in heavily congested sites in East Grinstead and visits to priority customers haphazard. Our representatives at MP & County level are already in negotiation over this.

In the meantime, there has been intensive communication among the Councillors and staff at the Parish Council to see what supplementary help we could provide. This is not easy, since we lack access to the equipment and suppliers at sufficient scale to make a real difference.

However, the following sources are available:

Plawhatch Farm: water for drinking and domestic use

Hartfield village hall: drinking water (but you need to bring your own container)

The Lion Spring on Gilham Lane: this is not drinkable and unsuitable for vehicular access.

Councillor Scott at has non-drinking water for domestic use at Tarnwood (white house, white gates) Priory Road, Forest Row RH18 5HP. Do park in front of the house and help yourself to the water butt by the front door.

Councillor Volkers at Jumpers Cottage, Chuck Hatch Lane, Colemans Hatch TN7 4EN has drinking water available (bring your own container). 7am-6pm please.

Negotiations are currently being held to supply a tanker to the Community Centre Car Park, but this is not yet certain. There are now some supplies in the Car Park at the Community Centre and outside the Social Club.

Please await further information.