A pub in Bramley is struggling due to a water contamination issue.
Residents have been warned not to drink tap water following a petrol leak.
Background of the Issue
The village of Bramley in Surrey is grappling with a major water contamination problem. A ‘do not drink’ notice has been issued to hundreds of residents. The root of the issue is a historical fuel leak from the local petrol station, prompting significant concern among the community.
Thames Water detected elevated levels of hydrocarbons during water sampling. This led to the precautionary notice affecting 616 homes. The contamination is believed to have been ongoing since 2021, manifesting notably in the village pub, the Jolly Farmer.
Impact on Local Businesses
Chris Hardstone, the landlord of the Jolly Farmer, has reported significant business losses. The petrol smell infiltrated the pub’s cellar and bar, causing them to shut down their accommodation section. This has had a notable financial impact on the business.
“Back in 2021, our cellar just stank of fumes – and this petrol smell was wafting up into the bar,” said Hardstone. Despite raising concerns, he felt it took a long time for the issue to be properly addressed.
Community and Government Response
Thames Water, in an attempt to mitigate the risks, is delivering letters and bottled water to affected homes. Bottled water stations have also been set up. These efforts aim to support the residents during this tough period.
Operations Director Tess Fayers stressed that the ‘do not drink’ notice is a precautionary measure. Meanwhile, Waverley Borough Council is working alongside Thames Water to provide additional assistance.
Ongoing Efforts to Resolve the Issue
Asda, the owner of the Bramley petrol station, has expressed its commitment to resolving the issue. They are collaborating with Thames Water and other parties to tackle the problem. Asda acknowledges the frustration of Bramley’s residents and is focused on finding a quick resolution.
The affected areas’ MP, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, has termed the situation ‘unacceptable’. He has written to Asda’s MD, urging support for the affected local businesses.
Health and Safety Concerns
The primary concern remains the health and safety of the residents. The hydrocarbons in the water supply pose a potential health risk. Precautionary measures are being taken seriously by the authorities to ensure public safety.
Residents are urged to avoid using tap water for drinking or cooking until the issue is fully resolved. Thames Water and other agencies continue to monitor the situation closely.
“We are committed to working with all parties to resolve this situation as quickly as possible,” stated an Asda spokesperson.
Future Precautionary Measures
To prevent future occurrences of such contamination, Thames Water is replacing sections of pipes on Horsham Road. This proactive measure aims to safeguard the water supply in the long term.
The community is hopeful that these efforts will prevent similar issues in the future. Everyone is looking forward to a swift resolution and restoration of normalcy.
Long-term Outlook
The long-term outlook remains uncertain but promising. Thanks to the concerted efforts of Thames Water, Asda, Waverley Borough Council, and the local MP, the issue is receiving the attention it needs. There is optimism that the contamination issue will soon be a thing of the past.
However, the village of Bramley, especially its local businesses, will need time to recover from the financial setbacks caused by this crisis.
The water contamination crisis in Bramley highlights the vulnerability of local communities to infrastructure issues.
With committed efforts from various parties, there is hope for a swift and effective resolution.
