1 June 2007
A ward councillor based in Crouch End has slammed Thames Water for causing further disruption to local residents despite them already having to endure a four-year redevelopment process.
Up to 14,000 homes could be affected by reduced pressure or interrupted water supplies due to work starting yesterday and finishing on June 8th, but Thames Water only sent out a letter warning of the disruption a few weeks ago.
Councillor David Winskell told local newspaper the Hornsey and Crouch End Journal that Thames Water was guilty of treating its consumers with disdain and was putting its profits before its paying customers.
"All the residents in the area have been incredibly patient over the past three or four years with the Thames Water renewal works," he fumed.
"It has disrupted parking and traffic flows and caused massive inconvenience. Why this couldn't have been done during that programmes is beyond belief. The whole approach of Thames Water is characteristic of the disdain in which they hold consumers who pay the bills which in turn lead to their monster profits."
Cllr Winskell has made an official complaint about the further disruption, particularly given the short amount of notice given prior to the works and the lack of information available from the supplier.
He also questioned whether Thames Water had done enough to provide assistance for the more vulnerable areas of the local community, especially Crouch End's elderly population.
A spokesperson for the supplier said: "We're making every effort to ensure properties do have water but to say we are treating our customers with disdain is unfair," before adding that anyone who suffered prolonged periods without water should call Thames Water on 0845 9200 800.
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