Water cut-off at Strande Park was 'not planned', Shanly Homes says

The already beleaguered Strande Park was left without water yesterday after an accident with a Shanly Homes contractor.

Amid ongoing troubles at the site, the latest turn of events is that Shanly has put in a fresh application for 20 homes on the site next to the mobile homes park.

Originally it had planned for 25 homes, amid strong local objections.

On Wednesday, concerns were raised by onlookers that work was already commencing, despite this plan not yet being approved.

A spokesperson for Shanly Homes has since clarified that it has been ‘working with Strande Park residents and the parish council’ to agree works to upgrade their existing water main.

“This is beneficial to the residents as the current watermain is not fit for purpose having been in-situ for many years and likely to fail soon,” the spokesperson said.

“Over the last two months we have held face-to-face meetings and delivered written communications regarding the works which have, in the majority, been welcomed by the residents.”

But there was a problem. Later in the day, residents suddenly found their water shut off, and worried about the impact on the many vulnerable people living in Strande Park, given the hot weather.

The Shanly Homes spokesperson has clarified that this ‘was not a pre-planned or intentional water cut-off.’

“Unfortunately, the contractor perforated an underground water pipe which led to the Strande Park residents being without water for a period of a couple of hours,” she said.

“We were quickly made aware of the situation, and took immediate action to remedy it, as well as sending a representative of the company out to site to liaise with the residents and keep them updated.”