Bristol Water confirmed on Sunday night that a ‘temporary fix’ had been put in place to fully restore water supplies in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge following a weekend of disruption – but the firm faces numerous calls for compensation from affected businesses and residents.
Large parts of the two towns were left without tap water or low water pressure after a major 300mm water pipe running besides Love Lane burst on Saturday night.
The disruption led to several firms in Burnham having to close on Sunday, including The Reed’s Arms and Waterfront Bar on The Esplanade, and Geri’s Bistro and The Cottage Cafe in College Street. The Victoria Hotel also offered a limited service.
Hundreds of residents also reported water supply problems across the area and even the public toilets on The Esplanade were also shut for 24 hours.
Dee Lloyd from Burnham’s Victoria Hotel (pictured top) told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I definitely think businesses and residents who have been impacted should receive compensation, especially to cover any lost trade.”
Burnham Chamber of Trade Chairman Rhonda Mills agrees: “If businesses can show they have suffered losses then they should qualify for compensation.”
Bristol Water spokesman Jeremy Williams, who apologised for the inconvenience, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It’s our policy to provide compensation only when a property has been without supplies for 12 hours or more.”
The firm’s policy goes on to outline that if the water supply is not available for 12 hours, then household customers are entitled to a compensation payment of £20 plus a further £10 for each 24-hour period that the supply remains unrestored.
Businesses can claim slightly more since non-household customers are entitled to £50 plus a further £25 for each 24-hour period the supply remains unrestored.
Those who believe they have a claim for compensation can take it forward by contacting Bristol Water on 0845 702 3797.
