Water, water everywhere?

4.59.00pm GMT Fri 18th Mar 2005

Islington residents are facing yet another outbreak of water problems following the nightmares of serious burst water mains in recent months.

Islington residents face more water disruption

Bridget Fox says "Islington residents have faced and continue to face significant disruption to water supplies following burst mains and ad hoc repairs, on top of planned maintenance. People are complaining about water being cut offs both day and night, and an overall reduction in water pressures is making life difficult for residents all over the area".

Last week residents on estates across the Caledonian and Holloway wards lost their water supply, including Mackenzie Road,Westbourne Road,Papworth Gardens,Pritchard Court,Tealby Court,Soldene Court,Brammall Court, Watkinson Road and Caledonian Road. Thames Water have still not managed to fix the burst main on Caledonian Road.

Residents near Calshot Street were horrified to see a fresh leak this week at the site of the major burst last autumn.

This follows on from the major burst in Upper Street and the loss of water supply to residents of Barnstaple Mansions on Rosebery Avenue last month.

Residents in taller blocks on the Bemerton and Caledonian estates have been suffering with low water pressure. Low water pressure in blocks is not just about what happens when you turn on your tap - it affects heating and fire sprinkler systems too.

Bridget says, "The situation is beyond a joke. We have a 19th century water system struggling to meet the needs of a 21st century city - that's not Thames Water's fault. But residents are losing out all round.

"Thames Water must work with local people to give proper information and communication, no loss of water pressure except in emergencies, swift repairs, and replacement water supplies while work is underway. That's what Islington residents need and deserve."