Open day at water works
From source to tap in as little as two hours, the complex journey drinking water takes on its way to your home or office will be explained when a treatment works opens its doors.
South East Water will hold an open day at Bewl Water Treatment Works, Lamberhurst, on Saturday, May 6.
Visitors will be shown how water is collected, stored and treated before being sent to customers’ taps.
A team of experts will demonstrate the skills required to keep taps flowing 24/7, test water, protect the environment and secure future supplies.
Nick Bell, regional production manager at South East Water, said: “When most people turn on their tap, they don’t realise how much work goes into producing clean drinking water and distributing it to homes and businesses.
“On this tour, we will be showing customers the fascinating range of processes and give them the opportunity to ask our staff questions.”
Entry to the open day is by ticket only on a firstcome, first-served basis. To reserve, call 01732 375410 or visit southeastwater.co.uk/ opendays
Access is not suitable for people with impaired mobility or children under 14 years. A man said to be pursuing a decade-long vendetta against the fire service has been convicted of harassment.
Clive Watson overtook an engine with its blue lights and sirens on, dangerously blocked its path and hurled abuse at firefighter Phillip Bendall, who was completing a driver training session, Maidstone Magistrates’ Court heard.
The 63-year-old, of The Broadway, Maidstone, told police he had followed the vehicle because he suspected the crew was simply “popping home” and not to the scene of an emergency.
Giving evidence at the trial on Tuesday, Mr Bendall said he first became aware of Watson when a car came speeding up behind him in Lower Stone Street at the junction with Old Tovil Road.
He said its lights were on full beam and, thinking it might have been an unmarked police car, allowed it to overtake.
But at the junction of Armstrong Road, the same Volkswagen estate pulled out in front of the emergency vehicle, blocking its path as it was about to pass a bus.
Driving instructor Eric Anderson gave evidence, describing it as a “do or die manoeuvre”, forcing Mr Bendall to brake hard and go over into the wrong side of the