DOZENS of leaks have been reported across Basingstoke, with some left gushing out water for weeks.

Residents have criticised South East Water for failing to fix various leaks across the town, including in Sheppard Road, Cranbourne; Hatch Warren Lane, Hatch Warren; and Kings Road, South Ham.

A total of 38 leaks for Basingstoke are shown as reported on South East Water’s website, including in Melrose Walk, Popley; Longstock Close, Chineham; Hunters Close, Oakley; and Park Prewett Road, Rooksdown.

READ MORE: Water continues to leak unchecked for months in Basingstoke

The water leak on Kings Road in South Ham, Basingstoke (Image: Newsquest) Information provided by the water company next to each reported leak says it is aware and is ‘doing all we can to get it fixed’, adding: "Our contractors have been instructed to carry out repairs as soon as possible… Every drop counts, if you see a leak, do report it on this site." 

However, residents say the leaks have been reported multiple times and South East Water does not respond or fix them.

Maurice Ward, from Hatch Warren, said the leak in Hatch Warren Lane has been left for five weeks.

The 82-year-old said: “People have run the supplier and they said they will get round to it but it’s not a priority. It’s a stream. I walk my dogs there quite often and I think ‘not another day where it’s not been fixed. This is getting silly’.

“It does down the lane and there’s quite a lot coming out. It’s such a waste of water.”

The Gazette previously reported on another leak in South Ham near the parade of shops which has been left for months.

Peter Moss, a South Ham resident, said he contacted South East Water on at least three occasions in the past six months to report the issue, but nothing has been done.

South East Water said this leak is on private property and it is liaising with ‘relevant parties’ to ensure it is repaired.

Head of Leakage Operations, Phil Jones said: “Our leakage team have investigated the reported leak on Hatch Warren Lane and it is awaiting repair.

“We are prioritising fixing these leaks as quickly as we can and have brought in additional repair teams to assist.

“A range of factors come in to planning a repair which can impact how long a leak takes to be fixed after it’s been reported. These include the location of the leak, the traffic management required, environmental considerations, other nearby utilities and the risk of customers going without water supply.

“Clearly if there is an emergency leak or burst affecting drinking water supplies, these are prioritised.

“We spend around £40m a year on finding and fixing leaks across the network and are committed to investing further to reduce the amount of water lost to leaks by half by 2050.”

Regarding the leak in Sheppard Road, Mr Jones said the team has investigated and identified the issue.

He added: “In order to carry out the necessary repairs safely, we are required to put traffic management in place. We are working with Hampshire County Council for the necessary permit.

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