RNS Number:1134O
East Surrey Holdings PLC
30 July 2003



                            East Surrey Holdings plc



                       APPOINTMENT OF SIR GERRY LOUGHRAN

                          AS A NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR



East Surrey Holdings plc, the water and gas utility group, announces the
appointment yesterday of Sir Gerry Loughran to its Board as a non-executive
Director. Sir Gerry retired as Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service and
Secretary to the Northern Ireland Executive last year. Previously, he was
Permanent Secretary at the Northern Ireland Department of Economic Development.
In this role he oversaw the introduction of natural gas into Northern Ireland.

Pat Barrett, Chairman of East Surrey commented,

" We are delighted that Sir Gerry is joining us. We believe the experience he
brings will be of considerable benefit, and will add further strength to our
Board. Also, his appointment is a sign of our commitment to our joint venture
investment in Northern Ireland, Phoenix Natural Gas."



Sir Gerry Loughran is Chairman of the Irish group Grafton Recruitment.

                                     -ends-

Date: 30 July 2003

For further information contact:

East Surrey Holdings plc                                    City Profile
Phil Holder, Managing Director                              Simon Courtenay
Nick Fisher, Finance Director                               Tel: 020-7448-3244
Tel: 01737-772000
Web: www.waterplc.com



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