17 May 2010
Water supplies to approximately 11,500 properties in the Moreton, Leasowe and Wallasey areas of Wirral will have to be shut off overnight on Thursday, May 20.
United Utilities needs to carry out essential work to repair a leak on a 21" trunk main in Reeds Lane, Moreton.
Supplies will be switched off at 8pm and following repairs will be restored by 6am on Friday, May 21.
Notices will be delivered to properties affected by the shut off.
United Utilities' network team leader David Bates said: "We have explored other options of repairing but unfortunately we are unable to carry out repairs safely whilst the pipe is pressurised.
"We have considered re-routing supplies to customers from a different part of the network but it is not possible to do so without an unacceptable risk of discolouration.
"This has left us with no choice but to shut off the main and complete the repair.
"We are leaving it until as late as we possibly can on Thursday night to carry out this essential work so customers' supplies won't be affected at teatime - whilst making sure we have water back on in time for Friday morning.
"We will ensure that vulnerable customers in the area are looked after and we would ask that people across the areas affected use water wisely on Thursday evening.
"We would suggest that customers store some supplies for essential use such as making warm drinks and flushing the toilet.
"A good idea would be to fill your kettles.
"Unfortunately Reeds Lane will have to remain closed until our work is completed.
"We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused to customers affected by the shut off, and also to those affected by the closure of Reeds Lane.
"We are doing everything possible to keep disruption levels to a minimum under difficult working conditions."
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