RESIDENTS affected by a burst pipe on Moons Hill have been told no permanent repairs will be made as there is “no money in the pot”.

Labelled a “real disaster”, it comes after the fresh water pipe broke in the early hours of Saturday, November 23 – with debris washing down to Hamlash Lane.

This resulted in driveways and some garages flooding, and More House School’s entrance was closed.

“They tried to say that it has not happened for 15 years, but it has happened three times within the five years we have been here,” said resident Sue Franklin, with the general consensus amongst residents finding that this is not an isolated incident.

Hamlash Lane neighbour Brian Watmore said: “There is always problems over here.

“It is going to be an ongoing thing, the system is so old.”

He also told the Herald that upon asking a South East Water employee when permanent repairs would be made, he was told “never, because there is no money in the pot”.

Surrey County Councillor David Harmer met with residents on Monday, December 2, where he advised them on a course of action.

He told the Herald: “If the residents gave a letter to the clerk of the parish council, then she should make a complaint to Ofwat, because it is unacceptable that they are just patching it up.”

In response, South East Water distribution manager, Mathew White, apologised for the trouble caused, adding: “The burst was fixed the same day and our contractor, Clancy Docwra, is working hard to repair damage caused to the road.

“Moons Hill remains closed for safety reasons whilst the reinstatement work is ongoing.

“Our team is working as quickly and safely as possible to repair the road and a clearly-signed diversion, agreed by the local Highways authority, is in place.

“In the event of a burst main we always review our pipes using a risk matrix system to determine whether it needs to be replaced.”