Thames Water boss is blasted by Islington’s Council Leader

After the Thames Water pipe burst and catastrophic flood the clean-up continues on Caledonian Road. Islington Council’s leader has written to Thames Water’s Chief Executive criticising “years of neglect and inaction.”

Cllr O’Halloran who arrived on the scene of last Tuesday’s flooding within minutes also condemned the “woefully ineffective” response by Thames Water. It took over two hours for Thames Water to isolate the burst and stop the flow of water. The incident led to complete loss of water supply to 14,000 homes and business throughout south Islington. Supply was only restored to most homes by early evening on Tuesday.

Over 40 business premises on Caledonian Road were completely inundated. It took until next morning to pump out basements, so electricity supply also had to be cut-off and the power loss affected 170 businesses and homes. Although electricity was restored to some premises, flats in Ewen House and Ritson House have had to rely on emergency generation.

Cllr O’Halloran’s letter to the Thames Water chief executive reminds him that Islington has experienced multiple floods from burst water mains including three catastrophic floods at the Angel, Hornsey Road, and Canonbury Street. Homes have been ruined, priceless possessions lost and businesses have had to close with people losing their livelihoods.

Cllr O’Halloran points out that every time Thames Water has flooded homes and businesses, “they’ve then had to wait months to have their insurance claims paid out.”