TENANTS who were left without water on Christmas Day were “absolutely let down” by the firm maintaining their flats, a councillor has claimed.

Residents of the 66 flats in Elizabeth Court in Churchfields will receive £100 in compensation after a power surge knocked out a pump, leaving them without water over the festive period.

Council officers and Red Cross volunteers were forced to give up their Christmas Day to help tenants living in the Woodford Green estate.

The water supply was cut off early on Christmas morning and only returned on December 27.

Gwyneth Deakins, leader of Redbridge Liberal Democrats, praised the council’s response but has hit out at maintenance contractor EMS over ITS handling of the situation.

She said: “Council officers sacrificed their Christmas Day to help residents so hats off to them, no question.

“When I heard the news I thought those poor people. Even if they don’t celebrate Christmas it’s a public holiday and would probably be indoors all day. What a day for it to happen.

“I think they were absolutely let down by the contractors and there is obviously an issue with them and the way the pump broke down in the first place.”

Cllr Deakins, who represents the Roding ward, said tenants should be compensated in circumstances like this.

She said: “It’s important for people to get compensation because they pay for a service. I think the council should, when there is a major breakdown in services like electricity or water, compensate or refund for inconvenience caused.

“Like with anything you should be able to claim some of your money back in exceptional circumstances. On this occasion I am very pleased they have done it.”

Redbridge Council is now seeking further compensation for tenants from EMS. The proposal will be debated in full council on Thursday, January 18.

The Guardian has approached EMS for comment.