A project costing one point four million pounds to renew water supply pipes has begun in a village in Sussex, aimed at cutting down on interruptions to water service and pipe failures.

Southern Water is dedicating eight months to swapping out approximately five kilometres of outdated piping in Fairlight, East Sussex, with contemporary plastic alternatives to improve the dependability of water deliveries.

George Liddell, the scheme’s project manager at Southern Water, explained that commencing the pipe renewal work represents significant progress in the company’s efforts to address burst pipes throughout Fairlight village. Upgrading these worn pipes is a crucial move towards making the network more resilient for the future. The company expressed appreciation to customers for their understanding and cooperation as workers strive to finish the project swiftly and efficiently. Further updates on advancement will be provided.

Construction has commenced along Fyrsway, Broadway and Rockmead Road, with additional work scheduled between Waites and Lower Waites Lane beginning in May.

To minimise inconvenience to residents, Southern Water is employing drilling techniques beneath road surfaces rather than excavating traditional trenches.

This project forms part of Southern Water’s broader one hundred million pound programme to decrease water leakage throughout the region.

The company has announced it is organising open sessions for local residents while collaborating with elected members and community organisations.

The work comes after service problems affecting the wider Hastings area in December 2025, when a ruptured water main combined with critically reduced levels at Fairlight Reservoir resulted in some homes experiencing reduced water pressure or complete loss of supply.

Additionally, Southern Water confirmed in February 2025 that approximately two kilometres of sewer infrastructure in Fairlight had been sealed off to decrease storm overflow incidents by stopping groundwater from infiltrating the system during intense rainfall.

That sewer sealing initiative was incorporated into the company’s one point five billion pound initiative for cleaner rivers and coastal waters, and detailed assessments have been carried out on an additional five kilometres of sewers situated in and near the village.