A construction company has been prosecuted for illegally accessing a public supply network in Devon.

Steve Hoskin Construction pleaded guilty to three charges arising from the illegal use of a hydrant at the Taylor Wimpey Site at Hele Park, Newton Abbot on 16 November 2016.

It was fined £300 and ordered to pay more than £1,205 in costs, along with a £30 victim surcharge.


Bob Taylor, South West Water's Operations Director for Drinking Water Services, said connecting unauthorised standpipes to the utility's network "is an issue we take very seriously".

"It creates a potential risk to water quality, which could result in public health issues and damage to our infrastructure," he said.

"It can also interfere with our customers' supplies or fire service activities. We monitor the use of our network closely and will take action against anyone who is detected making unauthorised use of a standpipe."

(LM)