Britain’s biggest family has shared a photo of bare supermarket shelves and say people are “panicking” as hundreds of homes are left without water.
Morecambe’s Radford family, as well as others in their home town, have been without water this week as a result of the ‘big freeze’.
On Monday (December 19), United Utilities announced it would switch off the water to 16,000 homes in Morecambe for the next 24 hours.
This is reservoirs can refill and so the company can make some repairs to burst pipes and leaks that have been reported.
Homes in Carnforth have also been impacted by the water shortage.
Sue and Noel Radford, stars of Channel 5 show 22 Kids and Counting, say people have stripped supermarkets of water and are panicking.
Posting to their 495,000 Instagram followers, they shared a phot of the bare shelved and said: “Can anyone tell that the whole of Morecambe has no water for 24 hours?
“Morecambe is crazy busy tonight. Everyone is panicking that they don’t have water.”
The Radfords, who own their own pie company, say the water shortage may affect business.
They said: “Don’t stress I am sure it will be on tomorrow. Although, I am seriously praying really really hard that the water up at work does not go off.
“We’ve had to deal with a huge leak at the bakery today, plays loads of other nightmares going on behind the scenes that we’ve not shared.
“Having no water at home is a breeze compared to all that.
“Just keep smiling and all will be fine.”
This morning (Tuesday, December 20) United Utilities issued an update and revealed where the water bottle stations in the area will be located.
It said: “As you are aware there are issues with your water supply. This is as a result of the freeze and now thaw and this has been affecting your water supply.
“This has resulted in customers experiencing no water or poor pressure due to increased demand for water and multiple bursts and leaks at customers’ properties across the water network.
“To refill the reservoirs which provide water to homes and businesses in your area, we have had to turn off your water supply whilst we make some repairs. This will allow the water system to refill and meet the demand for the area. We expect water supplies to return during the course of the day.
“Our sincere apologies for the inconvenience this will obviously cause you. It is not a step we have taken lightly but it is essential so that we can introduce normal services for everyone in Morecambe as soon as possible. Customers will receive automatic compensation for the inconvenience and there is no need to contact us as we will process this automatically.
“We are supporting customers who are registered with our priority customer scheme and would ask you to support neighbours at this time too.
“We will keep you updated as we go through today and will provide regular updates on our website.
“We are working around the clock to get the situation resolved and apologise for all the inconvenience caused.”
Bottled water stations will be open from 8am-8pm in these locations:
- Mathias Street Car Park, Mathias Street, Morecambe, LA4 5JR
- Morecambe FC, ‘The Mazuma Stadiuam, Christie Way, Westgate, Morecambe, LA4 4TB
In addition, there will be a station at Morecambe Festival Market car park, Marine Road, Morecambe, LA4 4DW and this will be open from 9am to 8pm.
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