South East Water – Water Use
We’re going into another heatwave this week and we want to make sure the taps keep flowing for everyone. We need your help to do this.
Please share the messaging below and the images attached, amongst your communities to ensure as many people are aware as possible.
Please use water for essential purposes only: hygiene, drinking and cooking.
Why are we asking you to help?
Right now the demand for water is of course higher due to the weather. Yesterday (Sunday 21 June) the total amount of water we treated and put into the network was 644 million litres, that’s 56 million more than the average for June. It’s likely that figure will rise further with hotter weather forecast for later this week.
We want to be honest with you.
To help meet this demand we have:
- All possible Water Treatment Works operating 24/7
- Increased the teams fixing bursts and leaks to save more water
- Re-routed water around the network
- Tankered in more water
- Filled drinking water storage tanks as much as we can
- Managed pressure across the network
However, when demand is as high as this or higher on consecutive days, we struggle to supply everyone. Those living at the far end of our pipeline network or on higher ground can see their taps run completely dry.
We know we need to improve this and build more resilience into the network to cope with the changing climate and more frequent heatwaves, and we will. Building this infrastructure takes time and it’s not all in place yet.
This means for now we need your help.
Every change you make has a real impact on keeping the taps flowing for your neighbours and local communities.
How you can help
Simple swaps can make a huge difference to help keep the taps flowing for everyone and prevent further measures.
- Pause all hose use
- Only use water for hygiene, drinking and cooking
- Don’t refill paddling pools or hot tubs
- Don’t use a jet washer
How long will this be for?
This is temporary, just while we get through this latest heatwave. The more people who can help, the better for your area – so please spread the word to friends and neighbours!
Thank you!
We understand you are frustrated and we are sincerely sorry, especially to the thousands of customers who experienced real difficulty, distress and hardship when water supplies were interrupted a few weeks ago.
We’re committed to doing better, including how we communicate. That’s why in this email we’ve wanted to be upfront and honest about the current situation.
CANCELLED – Fraud Prevention Talk at Downswood Community Centre
PC James Phillips
Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances I have had to cancel the Fraud Prevention Talk which had been booked to take place on Friday 26th June at the Downswood Community Centre.
I apologise for this if you were planning to attend. I will endeavour to book another talk at the Community Centre on another day soon. Please pass this message onto anyone else you are aware of that was planning on attending.
Stay safe everyone and again, apologies for the cancellation.
My Community Voice – Courier Fraud Alert
Courier fraud alert: Over 70s targeted as courier fraud exceeds £21 million in 2025
| City of London Police are issuing a renewed warning to the public as courier fraud continues to evolve across the UK, with criminals using increasingly sophisticated and persistent tactics that are driving significant financial harm to victims.
New figures show reports increased by nearly 10 per cent year-on-year, rising from 1,721 in 2024 to 1,891 in 2025. Over the same period, total losses climbed from £19.5 million to more than £21 million, with the average amount stolen per victim now standing at £15,311.08, underlining the significant financial harm caused by each offence. A key feature of this threat is the disproportionate targeting of older people, particularly those aged 70 and above. This group makes up majority of victims, with those aged between 76 and 96 alone accounting for around 62 per cent of all reports. Fraudsters often deliberately focus on older victims, exploiting trust in institutions such as the police and banks, as well as using pressure tactics, fear and urgency to manipulate them into complying with instructions. A growing trend identified in 2025 involves the use of jewellery and gold to carry out high-value frauds. In many cases, victims are persuaded to visit multiple jewellers to purchase expensive items over a period of time before handing them to a courier. This method often results in the highest amount stolen and can involve repeat victimisation, with offenders maintaining contact to extract as much money as possible. How to spot the signs of courier fraud Courier fraud typically begins with an unexpected phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer or bank employee. Victims are told their account is at risk or that they are assisting with an investigation, before being instructed to withdraw money, purchase items, or disclose sensitive information. A courier is then sent to collect the items such as jewellery, cash, bank cards and PINs. In reality, this is the work of criminals and anything handed over is lost. How to protect yourself from courier fraud: · Transferring money: Your bank or the police will never ask you to transfer money to a safe account. · Couriers: Your bank or the police will never send a courier to your home to collect bank cards, cash, or other valuables such as jewellery. · Check if it’s genuine: Contact the organisation directly using contact details you know are correct, such as those on official websites, the back of your card or by calling 159 for your bank. · Caller ID: Don’t trust the Caller ID display on your phone – it’s not proof of ID. · Report suspicious calls: You can report suspected scam calls by sending a text to 7726 with the word ‘Call’ followed by the caller’s number. If you think you have been a victim of fraud contact Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the website: reportfraud.police.uk. |
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) – Be behaviour aware
My Community Voice & Kent Police
Will be hosting two online VAWG Community Engagement Events on the following dates:
These sessions will provide an opportunity to hear more about the work that Kent Police and our partners are undertaking to make our communities safer for women and girls.
The event will focus on Empowering Communities and will include talks on:
- Kent Domestic Abuse Champion programme
- VAWG Champions at Borden Grammar school
- Feeling Safe in Kent Campaign Group and Young Peoples voices
- Kent Youth Justice Service about the new Engaging Girls Policy & Guidance
A number of local in‑person VAWG events are also taking place. Further details can be found on the Kent Police website.
Please note:
Both online events will cover the same content. The two time slots are provided to ensure as many people as possible can attend. Attendees may ask questions during the session or submit them in advance when booking.
Summer Playscheme
We are pleased to confirm Amanda Franklin will be running her much loved Playscheme again this summer. For enquiries and booking email: summerplayscheme@outlook.com
Please note this is an external event.
Poster for amanda 26 - PDFReporting Crimes & Antisocial Behaviour
With several reports of antisocial behaviour and vandalism over the May half term holiday, our local Beat Officer has requested that ALL crimes and antisocial behaviour are reported.
Please use the below methods to report.