What's The Minimum Length Of Pipe I Need To Get A Freeze Kit On?

[JCplumb]

10 month wait to replace? Eek!
Maybe they have a planned lead replacement in your area and they are putting off your request until then?
As mentioned above, I thought the turn around for sorting out their external tap was a matter of days, not months.
Infact, just Googled it and Thames water have a 5 day target to repair external stop taps.

 

[Last Plumber]

I've already said this but I don't know if you read it ?

Are you sure it isn't a quarter turn plug cock outside ?

If it's got a square top it will be

 

[lame plumber]

fill the kettle and a couple of pans, knock the street stopcock off the pipe, phone water co complaining of a leak and no water, they will pop out quick enough