RESIDENTS of a block of council houses in Tilbury were left without running water since yesterday afternoon but around 1pm today the supply was reconnected.

Engineers were called out yesterday (Monday, 13 February) after mains water was cut off to the homes by contractors working on properties in Wellington Avenue. A team from Essex and Suffolk Water was among those that turned up but deemed the problem was not one they could deal with as it was on council land.

Residents, many with families, were without drinking water but were supplied with litre bottles of water last evening. That quickly ran out as it had to be used not only for drinking and cleaning, but also necessities such as flushing the toilet.

At lunchtime today, while workers were trying to resolve the problem, residents reported to Thurrock Nub News they had not received any further supplies of water, though it was understood some smaller bottles might be distributed if the problem was not fixed.

A statement from Thurrock Council says: "We are aware that 10 flats located in Wellington Avenue, Tilbury, lost access to their water supply in the evening on Monday, 13 February.

"Our contractor Mears was on site and visited all affected residents when this issue was first reported. Essex & Suffolk Water also attended but confirmed that the issue with the water main was not their responsibility. Mears contacted council housing contractor BeSure, which was responsible for the water pipes, and an operative visited the site but was not able to fully resolve the issue straightaway.

"Mears spoke with all the residents affected and provided drinking water to each household. The heating of all properties was not affected.

"Mears has been working with BeSure and our Housing Service and BeSure are completing repairs this morning (Tuesday 14 February). More drinking water has been provided to the affected households while this is being carried out. Thank you to residents for their patience while this issue is being fixed."

Residents report around 1pm today that their supply has been restored.