MP Calls For Answers From South West Water Over Launceston Disruption

The Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, Ben Maguire, has visited Launceston after thousands of residents were left without water during a recent outage.

During the visit, Ben raised concerns about South West Water’s response to the disruption, particularly for vulnerable and disabled residents who struggled to access bottled water distribution points set up across the town.

Ben said he is now taking the issue up with the water company and is pressing for answers about what caused the outage and how similar incidents will be handled in future.

Concerns Raised After Visit

Commenting after speaking with residents, Ben Maguire said:

“It was deeply concerning to hear from residents in Launceston who have been left without water, and struggling to get clear information about what is happening from South West Water. I am particularly worried after my visit today about vulnerable residents who have not been able to reach bottled water distribution points.

“I will be raising this directly with water bosses as a matter of urgency. This kind of disruption is completely unacceptable, and highlights the ongoing need for much greater investment in Cornwall’s water infrastructure, and fundamental reform of the entire system.”

Impact On Homes And Businesses

Cornwall councillor for Launceston South, Damon Dennis, said many households had been left without running water for several days, creating challenges for families and businesses across the town.

He explained that shops, cafés and service providers that rely on running water were forced to temporarily suspend operations in order to meet hygiene regulations.

Damon said:

“For many households, taps ran dry for several days, creating obvious challenges for families and local traders alike. Shops, cafés and service providers reliant on running water had little choice but to suspend operations temporarily in order to comply with hygiene regulations.”

Community Support During Disruption

Despite the difficulties, Damon also highlighted how residents and businesses worked together during the outage.

A bottled water station at Martins Cash and Carry saw steady demand throughout the day and into the night as residents collected essential supplies.

Damon added:

“Amid the disruption, community resilience was clearly on display. The bottled water station at Martins Cash and Carry saw steady demand throughout the day and into the night, helping residents access essential supplies.

“While the outage caused understandable frustration and inconvenience, the response from local businesses, and residents demonstrated strong community spirit. As supply continues to stabilise and pressure returns to normal levels, there is a shared sense of relief and appreciation for the cooperation and patience shown during a challenging few days.”