Protecting pipes and people

01/11/2006

10 November 2006

Safeguarding customers is as vital as safeguarding water supplies in North Tyneside.

Northumbrian Water is encouraging customers to be vigilant about bogus callers as it renews 11 kilometres of water pipes, which supplies around 1,000 properties in Seaton Sluice, at a cost of £400,000.

Bogus callers, who target the elderly and vulnerable, are known to operate in Northumbrian Water’s supply area.  It is unlikely that anyone from the water company will need access into a customer’s property while the work in Seaton Sluice is carried out. 

The improvement work, which will begin on Monday November 27 and last up to six months, will improve water quality and safeguard water supplies for the future.

Customers are invited to find out more about the work and raise any questions or concerns at a drop-in customer information session on Thursday November 16, 2006 at Seaton Sluice Community Centre, Albert Road, Seaton Sluice, from 2.00pm to 8.00pm.

Ken Rutledge, Northumbrian Water’s Project Manager, said: “Some people are very trusting and let strangers into their homes.  Unfortunately in this day and age you can’t trust everyone – if the person standing on your doorstep is a stranger, regardless where they say they are from, check and double check their identity.  If in doubt – keep them out!”

“For further peace of mind customers can also register a password with Northumbrian Water– if anyone from the water company needs to access a registered customer’s home they will know the password.  They should either ring the customer centre on 0845 717 1100."

A genuine caller will not mind identity checks being carried out and customers should use their door chain, if they have one, while checking a caller’s identity.  Alternatively, customers should speak to the caller through a locked door – the caller can pass their identity card through the letterbox.