The Drinking Water Inspectorate has launched and investigation into South East Water over the disruption to supply in Kent and Sussex.

It some after 17,000 homes, businesses and schools were left days with little to no water supply.

The investigation will look into  “the circumstances leading up to the loss of supply, the actions taken by the company during the event, and its communications with consumers”.

They say appropriate enforcement action will be taken to “protect public health and to plan and prepare for loss of supply incidents”.

West Sussex County Council and Crawley Borough Council have both responded to a letter from the Government, asking for their view on whether local elections should proceed in May in preparation for local government reform. 

The County Council has requested holding one set of elections in 2027 to save costs; this would mean deferring the County Council elections scheduled for this year and bringing forward the Mayoral elections planned for 2028. 

Crawley Borough Council has arranged an Extraordinary Full Council meeting on Wednesday to debate whether to request the postponement of this year’s borough elections.

The Government wants a response by this Thursday 15th January, from councils wishing to defer elections.

Passengers are being advised to plan ahead before travelling as Network Rail is due to carry out improvement works on lines between Brighton, Gatwick Airport and East Croydon.

The works are due to take place on 17-18 January and 24-25 January.

Network Rail said buses would replace trains on the Brighton Main Line as well as lines between Reigate and Redhill and Redhill and Tonbridge.