Mid Sussex
Liberal Democrats

Alison calls for urgent meeting with South East Water

8 Dec 2025
Dear David, I am writing to request an urgent meeting with you concerning the troubling situation around the levels in Ardingly Reservoir and water supply in Sussex. Over the past few days, reports have emerged, including in The Times, that South East Water may be preparing to lay an emergency pipeline to pump water into Ardingly Reservoir because levels have fallen dangerously low. You will recall that I requested a meeting with you in October about critical water shortages and you arranged for me to meet your colleagues. In the meeting, they briefly mentioned this proposal as a way of improving resilience in the area. Despite the potential implications for thousands of households in Haywards Heath and the surrounding villages, and the discussion in the press in recent days, South East Water has not provided me with a specific briefing as the local MP about the progress of this plan. Given the recent experience of residents in Tunbridge Wells, it is essential that my Mid Sussex residents receive clear and open communication from South East Water. I have been checking the reservoir levels weekly since I met with the team and, as you know, although they are recovering, they are nowhere near full capacity. I therefore am requesting an urgent meeting with you to seek clear answers on the following: - Current reservoir levels and water-supply forecasts - The status and timelines for the proposed emergency pipelines - What contingency plans are in place for 2026 if levels do not recover fully this winter - How vulnerable residents, care homes, schools and local businesses would be supported Therefore, please can you let me know when you would be available to meet with me to discuss the current situation in Mid Sussex? We both know that water is a basic essential and, after recent events in other parts of your region, my constituents and I need to have full confidence that your plans are robust, timely and transparent. Yours sincerely, Alison Bennett MP Member of Parliament for Mid Sussex Download File

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