Dry day for traders (From Gazette Series)

Dry day for traders

TWO major companies are in hot water with traders in Long Street, Dursley, after contractors cut off the water supply four times in a matter of weeks.

Building contractors Laser, working on behalf of Crest Nicholson, are working on the first stages of the housing development on the former Bymacks site off Long Street.

On starting the work, the contractors received water pipe plans from Severn Trent Water.

However, on four separate occasions within the past month they have burst a water main, cutting off the supply to homes and businesses in Long Street. Emma Matthews, manager of Peter Hickman Hairdressing, said the stoppages had cost them well over £1,000.

She said: "We have to close when the water goes off, we just can't do anything. "Last week we had ladies with bleach in their hair when the water went off, so we had to go and buy a load of bottled water to wash it all out. "Crest Nicholson and Severn Trent just blamed it on each other."

Business also grinds to a halt in Long Street's eateries when the water goes off.

Juned, from the Dilraj Indian restaurant, told the Gazette: "It is such a nuisance. I end up running about like crazy when this happens.

"Everything just stops. We are very dependent on water, otherwise we can't prepare food or even use the toilet."

The Cookshop also has to close its caf, although it can continue trading in the main shop.

Silla King, from The Cookshop, said: "Trading is hard enough without having to turn people away.

"Half an hour you can put up with but these problems have been up to five hours at a time."

Amanda Cale, who uses a pressure washer at her business Classy Glass and Awards, said the attitude of Crest Nicholson and Severn Trent was not good enough.

"I wish they would just get it sorted out," she said. "They can say sorry all they like but it is not going to help the economy of the town."

Crest Nicholson spokeswoman Liz Lewis said that the contractors were relying on plans given to them by Severn Trent.

She said: "We have done everything in our power to work to the plans but even Severn Trent don't know where some of the pipes are because they when they come to fix them they just can't find them.

"It is literally hit and miss at the moment and there is not an awful lot we can do about it."

Severn Trent's Steve Hodgson explained that their records were more than 60 years old in some cases and even then were not completely precise.

He said: "The contractors should ensure that they take extra special care when excavating - possibly by hand instead of using machines."