NEW connections have been installed to prevent the continuous burst water mains in Benfleet with another £450k still set to be invested.

Castle Point Council has met with representatives of Essex and Suffolk Water to get an update on discussions about burst water mains in Benfleet.

The council say since September 2021, there have been “significant issues” with burst water pipes in the Tarpots and Sadler Farm area.

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This has led to “major disruption and significant difficulties” for residents.

Dave Backwell, Canvey Independent Party councillor, and leader of Castle Point Council has now confirmed Essex and Suffolk Water has installed new connections.

He said: “Firstly, infrastructure at the Tarpots crossroad is old.

“Many of the pipes are made of cement which is fragile and prone to failing.

“Essex and Suffolk Water has now installed new connections to the strategic main and by passed the ageing pipework at the junction.

“Repairs have involved installing modern values and pipework.

“This work took 18 months to plan and complete and finished in January.”

The most recent burst water main was at Tarports just days before Christmas, and it resulted in traffic chaos across south Essex.

Many of these water bursts occurred mainly during winter due to the freezing weather.

During the meeting, Mr Blackwell said he highlighted the stresses these bursts caused on both the road network and residents.

Following that, he was also told Essex and Suffolk Water are now undertaking a study into investing £450k.

Mr Blackwell said: “I was pleased to hear that Essex and Suffolk Water is already undertaking a feasibility study into investing £450k in work to replace the remaining cast-iron mains with modern fixing in the Tarpots and Sadlers Farm area.

“While this may cause some disruption in the short-term, it will benefit us all in the long-term.

“Essex and Suffolk Water has assured me that they are working with all parties to minimise any disruption.”

Ross Beckwith, Essex and Suffolk Water’ head of water networks, said: “This junction is important to local people and commuters who pass through the area going to and from London, and we know how frustrating it can be when journeys are disrupted.

“With two pipes running from Sadlers Farm roundabout and the 9 inch main running under this junction, London Road in Benfleet has been more susceptible than most to disruptions when work has been needed on our network.

“The pipe we have worked on can now no longer burst, so we have significantly reduced the chances of our  network causing problems at Sadlers Farm and we will continue to take a holistic view of our network in the area to protect water supply and motorists’ journeys.”