Andy Slaughter says cancellation of repair work shows 'incompetence'

Residents of Acton were left baffled on Friday after the last-minute cancellation of works to the water main in Acton High Street. Many had been expressing concern over the ill-advised timing of the works when major sewer repairs in Horn Lane were already causing traffic delays in the area. The sewer repair was due to be delayed by two weeks and a temporary bridge built to allow traffic diversion from the High Street works.

The recently abandoned road closure was to take place at the junctions of Acton High Street with Steyne Road and Acton High Street with Acton Lane. Work was due to start on 26 May and would have taken two weeks to finish. Diversion routes had been agreed with Transport for London and Ealing council. 

Following severe floods in August 2004 and on several other occasions, there was pressure on Thames Water to act. The repair to the Horn Lane sewer was apparently part of a much-needed resolution.

Local MP Andy Slaughter has met Jeremy Pelczer, Managing Director of Thames Water during the past month to discuss the flooding and has now written to him asking for an explanation.

He says, "these latest developments represent another episode of incompetence in a substantial series" and asks for intervention to put matters right. This is not the first time the planned works have been postponed.

He accuses Thames Water of confusion over the planned works saying they must confirm when the High Street works will take place. "It is wholly unacceptable to expect residents to wait a further three months or more until after the Horn Lane works have been completed".

The Horn Lane project gives cause for concern as it is not clear whether the collapsed sewer was a contributory factor to the floods and whether more works are planned for the Horn Lane area. Slaughter says it is unacceptable to keep postponing works when residents still live in fear of flooding.

May 31, 2006