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'Unacceptable' water supply problems continuing in Gunnislake

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Some residents have also experiencing low water pressure

People in part of Cornwall are still having problems with water supplies, five days after issues started.

South West Water (SWW) said about 1,800 homes in the Gunnislake area were affected when problems started.

Some residents have not had water for more than three days, with one saying it was "totally unacceptable".

The utility said supplies had been restored but a "small number of customers may still be experiencing low pressure or isolated issues".

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Customer Les Dewson said it was "totally unacceptable" and his family was "treated with indifference".

He said his wife "contacted SWW several times throughout the day [Sunday], only to be told that the pressure will build and the water will return.

He added that his 93-year-old mother-in-law "is struggling".

He said: "Despite our assistance, her most basic needs, hygiene and hydration are being neglected."

He added water was available again at his home in the early hours on Monday, but after more than 80 hours with no supply.

Dorothy Kirk
Councillor Dorothy Kirk said the water supply problems were "difficult ... especially in the depths of winter"

Some people affected have also said the shortage was a "health issue".

Cornwall Councillor for Gunnislake and Calstock Dorothy Kirk, told BBC Radio Cornwall this was still "an implication" after problems began on Thursday.

She said: "It's very difficult and very inconvenient ... to live without water, especially in the depths of winter.

"South West Water's employees have been working incredibly hard, and we have to appreciate that, but it's been a very, very hard time."

SWW said teams had been "working hard over the weekend to restore water to residents in Gunnislake and Calstock and supplies have now been restored to customers".

It said staff laid a new water main "to add resilience to the network, along with a temporary pumping station at the supplying reservoir to improve pressure and flows in the system".

It added: "We are aware that a small number of customers may still be experiencing low pressure or isolated issues, and we are continuing to investigate these on a case by case basis and our teams are in the area offering ongoing support."

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