Affinity Water in breach of legal agreement to soften Saffron Walden water

R4U’s Cllr Paul Gadd, who is the Leader at Saffron Walden Town Council, said “There is a legal agreement in place that requires Affinity Water to soften Saffron Walden water. It is unacceptable that Affinity are now trying to wriggle out of it because they claim it will cost them too much to replace the softening equipment. Hard water in our area will wreck central heating and appliances in the area’s homes; it will cost residents dearly, and we believe it will even have a net negative impact on carbon reduction as many appliances, boilers and heating systems will need to be replaced more frequently.”

R4U’s Paul Gadd, who is also a lawyer, said “In 1964 the predecessor to UDC and SWTC sold its water company to Lee Valley Water Company, which is now part of Affinity Water. The sale agreement included the clause that Saffron Walden water would be softened. SWTC believes that this agreement was in perpetuity and still stands. Saffron Walden Town Council are taking this up with Affinity Water. In the meantime Affinity Water is having an online meeting for residents on 20th April. We suggest all residents attend to voice their concerns.”

Residents can register to attend the Affinity Water online meeting on Tuesday, April 20 at either 12.30pm or at 7pm at this link. Find out about their removal of water softening from the Affinity Water website here. Read local newspaper coverage here.