RESIDENTS in South Ham are growing increasingly frustrated with a persistent water leak that has been gushing for several months.

The leak in Kings Road near the local parade of shops has resulted in the loss of a large volume of fresh water over the past few months.

Peter Moss, a South Ham resident, said he has contacted South East Water on at least three occasions in the past six months to report the issue, but to no avail.

“It’s like a small stream running down the road,” he described the scene.

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The water leak on Kings Road in South Ham, BasingstokeThe water leak on Kings Road in South Ham, Basingstoke (Image: Newsquest)

The water pooling on the footpath has also raised safety concerns, particularly for elderly residents living in nearby flats.

“There could be a nasty fall one of these days if they don’t fix it quickly,” Mr Moss said.

"But it’s just not that I’m worried about. Look at the amount of water wasted. At a time when the water bills are going up, this is just not right. All they need is to dig up and change the pipe."

A shop owner, who didn't want to be named, confirmed that South East Water attempted to fix the leak twice in June, once in the first week for an hour and again in the last week for two to three hours. Both attempts were unsuccessful, as the leak reappeared the next day.

He also said the problem has in fact been going on for six or seven years with a leak appearing once every year.

The water, which seeps through a small alleyway near the shop, has unfortunately transformed the area into a damp and unpleasant environmentThe water, which seeps through a small alleyway near the shop, has unfortunately transformed the area into a damp and unpleasant environment (Image: Newsquest)

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He added that the pipe is 'so old' that it needs a complete change.  

The water, which seeps through a small alleyway near the shop, has transformed the area into a damp and unpleasant environment.

South East Water's regional leakage manager, Martin Cooper, said: “Our leakage team have visited the reported leak on Kings Road in Basingstoke. This leak is on private property, and we are liaising with the relevant parties to ensure this leak is repaired appropriately.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience caused to the community and understand that seeing any water lost can be frustrating. Fixing leaks and saving water is one of our top priorities, and we thank residents who report leaks to us.”