A statement from local London Assembly Members, Richard Tracey and Tony Arbour

It is essential that Thames Water listens to the concerns of local residents and improves on its current proposals for the Tideway Tunnel. This includes Barn Elms playing fields, where a major drive shaft is due to be constructed.

We have recently met with Thames Water and passed on this message loud and clear on behalf of our constituents. For example, we pressed Thames Water to make greater use of the river to transport spoil, as well as construction materials, so that vast numbers of vehicles do not congest local roads on a daily basis, whether at Barn Elms or elsewhere.

We have also suggested that Thames Water funds independent consultants, selected by local residents, to examine its proposals and look at suitable alternative sites. This approach was pioneered during a railway project in Dublin and worked extremely well.

Thames Water must do better if it is to gain our support, and we look forward to hearing how it will respond to the concerns of local communities.

February 3, 2011