Thames Water meets an Icy Reception (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Thames Water meets an Icy Reception

October 26, 2004 10:54 AM

Thames Water faced a barrage of questions from angry members of the public and councillors on Thursday night.

Thames Water officials had come to West Area Committee to talk about the effects their planned works would have on Islington. Many of the residents who had been affected by the leaking mains pipes on Calshot Street were present to ask questions and talk about their experiences.

Councillor Bridget Fox said

"We had invited Thames Water to take part in a council investigation, and to speak to residents about the effects their planned works would have in Islington. They didn't address our concerns and instead presented us with 20 incomprehensible slides and a map on which Islington could not be identified.

"Residents in Barnsbury have been badly affected by leaking water mains and have expressed concern about the way the situation was handled by Thames Water. The recent problems have highlighted the importance of effective communication, and we are trying to encourage Thames Water to keep the Council and residents informed of the coming planned works."

Following the recent burst water mains in Barnsbury Lib Dem councillors asked Thames Water to:

Replace the water mains around Calshot Street as a priority Repair the damaged roads and pavements as soon as possible. Learn the lessons for the future: Provide standpipes closer to people's homes and ensure bottled water reaches the residents who need it Tell residents what's happening to fix problems and keep them informed of progress Let residents know about the compensation available and make it easily accessible

Cllr Marisha Ray, Chair of the Regeneration Scrutiny, said"Communication from Thames Water needs to be meaningful and address the concerns of the public. We expected them to come to the meeting and tell us what they were planning to do in Islington but are still waiting for detailed information.

"Thames Water have said that they will speak to the council within the next month and we will continue to press for information and co-operation from them."

Background

Commenting on the expected decision by Ministers to allow Thames Water to increase their bills by above the rate of inflation for the next six years, to reduce sewage releases in to the Thames and reduce leaks, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, Dee Doocey, said:

"Thames Water says it cannot find the cash to stop raw sewage being pumped into the river or to stop leaky pipes, but they are making massive profits and paying huge salaries to their directors. With water bills expected to rise above the rate of inflation over the next six years, it is the hard-pressed public who are being forced to pay for an appalling service.

"Serious questions must be asked about why Thames Water has failed to tackle the rebuilding of our leaking and crumbling sewage system, and why despite making massive profits, it is the customer who is being asked to pay for the improvements."