Water called safe once more

THE boil water notice had been lifted across parts of Saddleworth and Tameside.

17,000 homeowners had to boil their tap water as a precaution after a fault at a treatment centre in Mossley was discovered at the weekend.

Supplies to homes have now been declared safe to drink and residents no longer have to boil their water for drinking, food preparation and brushing of teeth, United Utilities said.

A technical fault at Buckton Castle water treatment works at Mossley on December 11 meant some water, not treated to the usual high standards, had entered the local pipe network.

United Utilities' customer services director Louise Beardmore said: "We're satisfied the water at all our customers' taps is back to its usual standard. We would like to repeat our apology to people affected and thank everyone for their patience and understanding. Following discussions with the Consumer Council for Water, we will automatically compensate customers for the inconvenience caused.

"In the coming days, those who have been affected will receive a cheque for £20."

In addition to receiving this compensation payment, businesses that incurred extra costs or loss of earnings as a direct result of the boil water advice will receive a separate letter on how to claim.

UU say they will review these on a case by case basis, which will take longer, but they aim to deal with each as quickly and fairly as possible.

Areas affected included Stalybridge, Dukinfield, Hyde, Greenfield in Saddleworth, Mossley and Ashton-Under-Lyne.