My parents live in the sticks and have about 11 other neighbours. Their water supply suffers from many interruptions during the year all caused by the main supply pipe breaking. This break occurs on the farmer's land. The farmer fixes it himself then bills each resident for their share. Because the pipe is on private land Anglian water are not interested in taking on repairs or issues regarding inconvenince. My parents have taken out specialist insurance to cover costs of these repairs. After one break, my parents told the insurance co who sent their own assessor out to view the work and the repair but the farmer employed his own contractor and wouldn't allow access to any one else. My parents feel the farmer is doing botched repairs and doesn't provide any breakdown of the costs of each repair. They and the neighbours could refuse to pay but the farmer is an obnoxious sod and would probably turn off the supplyif anyone kicks up a fuss. Could the home owners insist the water company take over responsibility? Is there a way to legally ensure their water supply is maintained properly? After all they pay enough for it. Should they seek legal advice from a specialist? Should they get a bore hole?
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