RNS Number:4293T
East Surrey Holdings PLC
18 December 2003



                            East Surrey Holdings plc

                            APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR

The Board of East Surrey Holdings plc, the water and gas utility company, is
delighted to announce that, Peter Dixon, CEO of Phoenix Natural Gas Limited has
been appointed to the Board with effect from 17 December 2003. This follows
yesterday's announcement confirming the successful completion of the acquisition
of Phoenix Natural Gas Limited.

Pat Barrett, Chairman of East Surrey Holdings plc commented,

" We are delighted that we have completed the acquisition of Phoenix. It is an
exciting step in the development of the Group. May I take this opportunity to
formally welcome Peter to the Board. Peter has made a huge contribution to the
success of Phoenix and I look forward to working with him to continue Phoenix's
impressive growth."

East Surrey Holdings plc can advise that there are no further details relating
to the appointment of Peter Dixon which it is obliged to disclose under
paragraph 6.F.2 (b-g) of the Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority.

                                     -ends-
Date: 18 December 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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