Tipton and Wednesbury MP questions South Staffs Water response to flooding

Thousands of homes were without water and hundreds without electricity across Black Country neighbourhoods yesterday (Saturday, November 3) with families in Wednesbury especially affected - due to the burst water main.

Firemen and water engineers worked through the night to ensure the water breach was fixed as families were invited to the local Sons of Rest for shelter.

Now Tipton and Wednesbury MP Antonia Bance has raised questions about South Staffs Water for this weekend's flooding.

"In these circumstances the incident response is the water companies' responsibility, which in this case was South Staffs Water. It is expected that they work effectively with local partners, including MPs, and keep regular communication with us and the public. 

"When the deadline South Staffs Water told residents for water supply being restored didn’t come through, communication became non-existent. We then lost confidence that water was going to be restored and took immediate action to set up a community space at The Sons of Rest in Wednesbury, which was run by my staff, councillors and volunteers.  

"I want to thank all the volunteers, councillors, my staff, and all the frontline workers who responded, including police, firefighters and engineers for stepping up and going beyond, where South Staffs Water let us down. 

"We are proud to be Sandwell, our community response was incredible. We were told South Staff Water were delivering water directly to all vulnerable residents affected. We will be asking for more information.

"I will make sure that questions are asked, and I will be meeting ministers tomorrow to make sure we hold South Staffs Water accountable for their response."

South Staffs Water confirmed this afternoon its workers would still be at this site tonight. 

The company tweeted this afternoon: "We're still fixing the main and will be through tonight and into the morning."