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In a notice shared by Rother councillor Andrew Mier, water supply to Battle (south), Brede, Broad Oak, Crowhurst, Guestling, Sedlescombe (South), and Westfield was affected by 7.30am on Monday (April 27).

Richard Parker-Harding, the head of environmental health at Rother and Wealden Councils said the supply of water from Darwell reservoir to the Baldslow treatment plant in Hastings has failed.

As a result, the Hastings network of drinking water is affected.

The water supply will cease ‘imminently’, Mr Parker-Harding added.

He said a major incident has been declared.

A spokesman for Southern Water said: “We’ve identified a water main burst linked to one of our water supply works in the Hastings area, which will likely lead to some customers losing water supply later on this morning.

“We’re working hard to repair this burst, however this is a large water main in a difficult location and may take some time to fully repair.

“We’re working with key partners to provide services as best as we can during any interruptions.

“We will be prioritising vulnerable customers for deliveries of bottled water and will announce how this can be accessed for the wider public. We will keep our customers updated through different channels as regularly as we can.

“As we are in lockdown, we strongly urge our customers to follow government advice and stay at home.

“If you feel as though you should be part of the priority services register and aren’t already, please contact our hotline on 0800 027 0800. During the Covid crisis you can call on behalf of a close relative.”

Rother District Council has been approached for comment.