Beware of Bogus Callers as Watermains Improvement Work Gets Underway in Cliftonville Area, Belfast

28 August 2014 15:17

NI Water is calling on customers in the Cliftonville area to be extra vigilant and beware of bogus callers following a recent incident in Brookvale Street involving a person claiming to work for NI Water.

If a caller comes to your door claiming to be from NI Water, Water Service or the Water Board, always ask to see their ID. This will have a photograph of the person carrying it and include details such as their name, a unique serial number and our NI Water logo. Also attach your door chain, if you have one. If not, ask the caller to hold the ID up to a window or put it through your letterbox so you can read it properly without opening your door. If you have any doubts, call our customer helpline on 08457 440 088.

This alert comes as NI Water prepare to continue work on improving and upgrading the water supply infrastructure throughout North Belfast. This overall £2.2 million package of work for North Belfast, of which approximately £150,000 is being invested in the Cliftonville area is good news, as the upgraded water mains will improve the quality, reliability and security of the local water supply, while reducing leakage and improving pressure in the area.

We estimate that work will get underway in the following areas of the Cliftonville Road as follows:

•    Roseleigh Street – 1st September for approximately one week.
•    Rosevale Street - 8th September for approximately one week.
•    Rosapena Parade, starting on the 15th September for approximately one week.
•    Rosapenna Drive/Street – 22nd September for approximately three weeks  

Unfortunately, on-street parking will be restricted throughout this programme of work. However, pedestrian access will be available to all properties at all times. Every effort will be made to restore access as soon as possible each evening. Access to all businesses in the area and the Oldpark Nursery will be maintained at all times, and we would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation while we complete this essential programme of work.

Liam Mulholland, Head of Customer Services NI Water gives this advice on bogus callers:

“It is unusual that someone claiming to be from NI Water will call to your door.  If, however, this does happen, simply call our customer helpline on 08457 440 088 to confirm with staff whether the person is in fact genuine. When you are phoning to clarify the ID, our Customer Service staff will check:
•    Name
•    Serial number
•    Date of issue

“Don’t be afraid to check the ID. Genuine callers won’t mind waiting while you do.  NEVER allow anyone access to your property unless you are sure of who they are.”

The same message applies to telephone calls from people claiming to be from NI Water and asking for bank details.  Do not give this information out over the ‘phone.  Simply hang up and report the call to the police or NI Water customer service helpline.