Kent schools close as water shortage continues in Tonbridge and Sevenoaks
Multiple schools in west Kent have been forced to close today (Tuesday, January 28) as issues surrounding water supplies continue. Properties in Tonbridge and Sevenoaks have been left with reduced pressure or no water at all since the week began.
This is due to a power cut that took place at a vital South East Water treatment works on Sunday and caused the site to shut down. The water supplier confirmed yesterday evening that power has been restored to the facility and the works are today operating at maximum capacity.
Though the majority of properties in Sevenoaks now have tap water, homes and businesses in the Tonbridge area are still facing reduced supplies while the network refills. Tonbridge Grammar School has made the decision to close and students are being sent home as a result of the low water levels.
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In an update shared on their website, a spokesperson for the school said: “Due to the ongoing water supply issues in the Tonbridge area, we are now operating on limited water supply, so we have had to take the decision to close the school. Other local schools have also closed.
“Please can you message your child to say that you are happy for them to be released from school to make their safe return journey home. Staff will view the messages from parents before allowing students to leave.
“If your child does not have a mobile phone, they will be directed to come to reception and you will be contacted directly to gain permission to leave. Sixth Form students can leave without parental permission.”
Additionally, the Nexus School on Upper Haysden Lane has announced that it will be closing due to the water supply issues. Sharing the news on Facebook, the school said: “Unfortunately due to no water in the Tonbridge area the school will need to close.
“Please collect your child as soon as possible. You may be aware that the majority of schools in the area are in the same position.” The Royal Rise Primary School has confirmed this afternoon it will be closing too, as has The Judd School and the Tonbridge campus of the Weald of Kent Grammar School - the Sevenoaks campus is open as usual.
While supply issues continue, bottled water stations have been established at the following addresses:
Speldhurst Village Hall, St Marys Lane, Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0PR
South East Water depot, unit 3-7, Morley Rd, Tonbridge TN9 1RA
In the latest update posted by South East Water shortly after 1pm this afternoon, the water provider said: “Our treatment works are now operating at maximum capacity to fill the network in those remaining areas without water as quickly as possible, and we are tankering water into the drinking water storage tanks nearby too. Our technicians are also out on the network removing any airlocks.
“[...] When your water returns, it may appear cloudy or slightly discoloured. Cloudy water is a result of air in the water so, if it is left to stand for a moment, it will clear. To resolve discolouration, customers can run their kitchen tap until the water clears.
“Once again, we are very sorry for the impact this is causing you. Please be assured our teams are working tirelessly to restore drinking water supplies as swiftly as possible.”