A fifth leak has sprung on Freeman Street in Grimsby within a year — and less than 12 hours after the issue was raised at full council.
Engineers only recently finished repairing the last major burst on the same stretch of road, but frustration is growing among residents and businesses after yet another leak appeared, adding to a string of water network failures across the borough.
A Freedom of Information request submitted by the local Liberal Democrat group revealed that more than 340 Section 81 enforcement notices have been issued by North East Lincolnshire Council to Anglian Water in the past three years. Each notice requires urgent action to repair leaks, bursts or dangerous defects affecting the highway. These are formal legal demands compelling a utility company to investigate and make repairs that are deemed safety risks. Failure to comply can trigger enforcement action or allow the council to recover costs.
At a full council meeting yesterday, Thursday 11 December, the Liberal Democrats tabled proposals calling for the authority to take a stronger stance in holding Anglian Water to account — including tracking repeat failures and formally requesting explanations on repair timescales and future investment. It also instructed the Leader of the Council to write to both the Government and Ofwat, urging tougher expectations on water companies and greater investment in long-term infrastructure solutions. The motion secured unanimous support from all political groups.
Liberal Democrat group leader, Councillor Nicola Aisthorpe said: “Local people and businesses are tired of the disruption, damage and delays caused by failing water pipes. They already pay for a reliable service, and they deserve nothing less. The Council must step up, show leadership, and ensure Anglian Water delivers the investment our communities deserve.”
Fellow Liberal Democrat Councillor Steve Beasant seconded the motion, he said: “These failures aren’t just inconvenient, they’re dangerous. Collapsed road surfaces, icy patches in winter, blocked access routes for emergency services, that’s not a risk we should allow to continue. People have waited long enough. Residents need certainty that action will be taken before someone gets hurt.”
Liberal Democrat Councillor Loyd Emmerson added: “Residents are fed up with water pouring down streets for days at a time. This is about fairness and pride in our neighbourhoods, but there’s also an environmental cost. Prolonged bursts can wash pollutants from roads into drains and waterways, adding unnecessary risk to our coastal environment. Fixing leaks properly protects both our residents and our coast.”
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.
