Fylde MPs call for answers from United Utilities over Water crisis

The demands were made ahead of the announcement last night that some of the affected areas were given the all clear of the bug, but others parts of the Fylde have been told to keep boiling water.

Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden slammed United Utilities over the length of time the alert has lasted and delays in giving a clear timetable for progress, saying his contituency had been particularly hard hit.

He said: “Blackpool and the Fylde coast generally has a large number of care homes, holiday businesses, hotels, B&Bs whose operations have been made much more difficult, costly and time consuming as well as hospitals and individual consumers, including the elderly and vulnerable of which we have above average numbers.

“I have spoken to chief executive Steve Mogford and made these points clear.”

Wyre and Preston North MP, Ben Wallace who has visited the Franklaw Water Treatment Works at Catterall where investigations have been centred, said he wanted more clarity on how people affected by the crisis would be compensated.

Mr Wallace said: “In order to reassure their customers UU need to set out now their plans for compensation.

“When it comes to our local businesses United Utilities need to get out on the ground and talk to businesses in distress to discover what can be done to minimise the impact on trade.

“I spoke to the Secretary of State, Liz Truss and as a result the government will seek more clarity from UU. It is vital that UU communicate properly with customers.”

Fylde MP Mark Menzies has also met Steve Mogford to discuss the issue.

He said: “While it is imperative that no risks are taken with public health, three weeks is a long time for people to be without drinking water.

“I wanted to ensure that the steps United Utilities are taking to restore the supply of wholesome drinking water are rapid, appropriate, employ best practice and meet their legal duties.

“I also wanted to know what compensation will be offered to those affected and, most importantly, when the boiled water notice will be lifted.”

UU said last night customers would be compensated.