Neighbour threatening to disconnect my water ** Resolved **

[Marcus-K]

Neighbour threatening to disconnect my water

I live in a semi-rural area and my property, and 8 others, obtain our water supply via a pipe that runs under a field owned by a person that simply owns the land, no dwelling.

A dispute has arisen (people objected to a planning application he made) and now he is threatening to disconnect the water supply to the 8 properties.

So, my question is, can he legally do this?

Where do I go to deal with this, Severn Trent Water are not helpful so far. Just getting to speak to someone about anything other than my bill or a leak is proving impossible.

Thank you in advance for any assistance.

Marcus

[BankFodder]

Has he threatened you with this in writing or simply verbally? Have you written to the water company? Have you correspondence from them which shows them to be unhelpful?

 

Although you can approach this by means of a legal action, I think the most effective thing to do immediately – because there are eight of you – is to write to your member of Parliament – each of you and complain that the water authority is not expressing any interest. I can imagine that the member of Parliament will be amazed about the story and also horrified. I can imagine that he or she will write to the water authority on your behalf immediately and that then they will take notice.

 

I would also contact the local paper. Find the telephone number of the news editor on their website and call him or her and give them the heads up on the story. I'm quite sure they will be very interested in publishing such an unusual report.

 

I am quite sure that the threat which is being made against you will be unlawful if it is carried out.

[Marcus-K]

Thank you for your reply and valuable advice, which is appreciated. In answer, yes the threat has been made in writing.

[BankFodder]

In that case, each of you complain formally to the water authority including a copy of the letter. Each of you also write to the member of Parliament including a copy of the letter. Your complaint to the MP is not about the troublesome neighbour, it is about the lack of interest from the water authority. Tell the MP that you are contacting the local newspaper about this. The MP will be very pleased to try and take advantage of some of the publicity.

[Surfer01]

Even a utility company like Severn Trent cannot cut off your water supply. In addition the LL will be infringing the Human Rights Act in addition to a number of other regulations.

BTW if the water mains feed pipe runs under his property, then no doubt Severn Tent are paying him for the privilege. MP is a definite route.

[citizenB]

Marcus, please keep this thread updated with any progress

[BRIGADIER2JCS]

Even a utility company like Severn Trent cannot cut off your water supply. In addition the LL will be infringing the Human Rights Act in addition to a number of other regulations.

BTW if the water mains feed pipe runs under his property, then no doubt Severn Tent are paying him for the privilege. MP is a definite route.

 

Make a complaint to Liz Garfiled CEO Severn Trent water She's ex BT so should be used to complaints).

[rebel11]

The landowner might switch off the water, but the water company can be held accountable, you have rights to fresh water (Human Rights), even if they have to deliver it every day.

 

It's a scottish link, http://www.scottishhumanrights.com/abouthumanrights/whatarehumanrights

[BazzaS]

Neighbour threatening to disconnect my water

I live in a semi-rural area and my property, and 8 others, obtain our water supply via a pipe that runs under a field owned by a person that simply owns the land, no dwelling.

A dispute has arisen (people objected to a planning application he made) and now he is threatening to disconnect the water supply to the 8 properties.

So, my question is, can he legally do this?

Where do I go to deal with this, Severn Trent Water are not helpful so far. Just getting to speak to someone about anything other than my bill or a leak is proving impossible.

Thank you in advance for any assistance.

Marcus

 

How long has the water supply been supplied by that route?

You may have an easement (by prescription).

 

Have you checked if an easement already exists? (The deeds for unregistered land, the Land Registry for registered land).

[BazzaS]

How long has the water supply been supplied by that route?

You may have an easement (by prescription).

 

Have you checked if an easement already exists? (The deeds for unregistered land, the Land Registry for registered land).

 

Having checked further, depending on if the land initially was as one plot, and the original owner relied on the water supply (as a "quasi-easement"), then a "legal easement" might have become implied on "sale of part" (under "the rule in 'Wheeldon v Burrows")

[Marcus-K]

Thank you all very much for your responses which are greatly appreciated.

 

 

As a result of the advise provided we now have both a solicitor looking at the easement issues and the water company have scheduled a visit to come and have a look also.

 

I will provide an update to any interested parties as and when the matter progresses.

Again, thank you.

[citizenB]

Yes, please do keep your thread updated when you can

[Marcus-K]

This matter is now resolved, sort of.

The attention from our solicitor and the water company requesting contact so that they may conduct a survey has resulted in a swift retraction and subsequent silence thereafter from the chap.

 

Not the most interesting end of a thread I know, but a result that we are happy with. Peace and quiet, and water...!

 

Thanks again for all the helpful comments.

[citizenB]

Thanks for updating your thread - I am pleased this has been resolved, even sort of As long as you are not going to be disconnected from your water supply I would say that is a positive result.