Traders need to be compensated after a water shortage has again left them out of pocket, the head of a leading independent retailers association has said.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), said independent retailers in Kent and Sussex have been "severely impacted" by the ongoing water crisis, with many forced to close their doors or operate at reduced capacity.
"This is yet another example of independent retailers bearing the brunt of infrastructure failures through no fault of their own," said Goodacre.
"These businesses have already faced significant challenges in recent years, and now they're losing vital trading days because of a completely avoidable situation."
The government has described the South East Water situation as "completely unacceptable" as thousands of households remain without water supply, have low pressure or intermittent supplies.
Goodacre said many retailers have been unable to operate safely without adequate water supplies, particularly those in food service, hospitality and retail sectors that rely on proper hygiene and sanitation facilities.
"Independent retailers work on tight margins and cannot absorb these kinds of losses," he added.
"South East Water and the relevant authorities must put a compensation package in place urgently to support businesses that have lost income through no fault of their own.
"These traders need financial support to cover their losses while this crisis is resolved."
Some schools have been closed, with areas affected including East Grinstead and parts of Tunbridge Wells. Kent County Council has declared a major incident as South East Water blames the recent cold weather and a subsequent breakout of leaks and bursts.