The Bull Tunbridge Wells: Future of popular pub 'on very thin ice' as it is 'forced to absorb losses' amid South East Water outage in Kent
A popular pub in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, has warned its future is “on very thin ice” due to the South East Water outage.
Around 25,000 properties across the Kent and Sussex remain affected by no or intermittent water supplies, South East Water said in a statement on Tuesday. South East Water (SEW) has blamed the outages on Storm Goretti and cold weather causing burst pipes and power cuts.
Linden Kemkaran, leader of Kent County Council, declared a major incident across the county on Monday morning, saying more households had been impacted in the previous 24 hours. The Bull Pub in Tunbridge Wells has posted of its anger and fears due to the water outage.
The pub said on Facebook: “We are once again facing disruption that directly threatens the survival of our small business. With a small team and fixed costs including business rates, rent and utilities, we are being forced to absorb losses we have no way of recovering, while still being expected to operate as though nothing is wrong.
“Our future here at The Bull is on very thin ice at the moment.” The pub posted on Monday 12 January that it had closed the site due to the outage.
It said on Monday: “This is getting ridiculous but unfortunately due to the water outage, we have no choice but to remain closed for today. We really hope to see you all soon.”
Affected residents have also taken to social media to complain. One resident said on X this morning: “We'd like to have a shower if possible please. Haven't been able to since Thursday evening. You are a bloody disgrace.”
The water company has said that it is “incredibly sorry”. In an update South East Water said today: “Around 25,000 customers in Kent and Sussex remain affected by no water or intermittent supplies following the recent cold weather and a subsequent breakout of leaks and bursts across Kent and Sussex, which has resulted in our drinking water storage tanks running very low.
“Water supplies to Loose in Maidstone, Blean near Canterbury, Headcorn, West Kingsdown and parts of Tunbridge Wells have been restored. Drinking water to the 16,500 properties in East Grinstead will begin to be restored today with full supplies expected to be restored tomorrow afternoon.
“This is because of the vast network of pipes, which need to be carefully filled to avoid creating bursts which would delay restoration. We are incredibly sorry to all customers and businesses who have been impacted by this and we are doing all we can to restore supplies as soon as possible.”
The water firm adds that it currently has five bottled water stations open 9am until 10pm today at the following locations:
- East Grinstead Sports Club, Saint Hill Road, East Grinstead, RH19 4JU
- Kings Centre, Moat Road, East Grinstead, RH19 3LN
- East Court, College Lane, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 3LT
- Tunbridge Wells Rugby Football Club, St. Marks Recreation Ground, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5LS
- Mote Park Leisure Centre, Mote Park, Maidstone, ME15 7RN