Mogden Update from MRAG
Dear Residents Once again Thames Water's management of Mogden STW has proved to be a disaster as far as local residents, MPs and Councillors are concerned. Complaints against Thames Water for October have increased quite ridiculously by more than 800% over the same period last year. Thames Water obviously have no idea of how to deal with the problem, how to abate the odour, or how to communicate responsibly with residents on these issues so the company has decided not to investigate or respond to complaints forwarded. This unprecedented and possibly unlawful action (for a regulated company) has caused a huge surge in the numbers of residents who have recently joined the Group Action for compensation and an injunction against Thames Water. MRAG are still awaiting formal responses from OFWAT, WaterVoice and MPs Ann Keen and Vince Cable regarding Thames Water's recent behaviour in dealing with complaints but in the meantime we have been advised by the solicitors acting on behalf of residents that in view of the vast numbers of new residents joining the 'Action' and, in view of the number of new enquiries being received by the solicitors and MRAG, it is expected that another meeting will shortly be held at Twickenham RFU. The purpose of the meeting will be for all residents to get an update on the legal process to date and for all 'newcomers' to meet the solicitors and ask questions relating to the legal process. You will appreciate that in following the legal process, Hugh James Solicitors have not yet publicised this case to the wider community and it is clear that a significant number of residents are not aware of the litigation. The case will shortly be widely publicised and it has been proposed that a cut off date will be set at 6 months after the date of the Group Litigation Order following which no claim may be added to the group register unless the Court gives permission. You are probably aware from recent press articles that following a meeting held between Thames Water's Managing Director and Vince Cable MP, it was confirmed by Thames Water that the £40 million spend over the next 4 years on odour improvements at Mogden is not expected to reduce odour significantly. In the meantime all residents are invited to continue to log complaints via MRAG and we will ensure that your complaints are forwarded to the Local Authority, WaterVoice and government officials. Mosquitoes: A number of you have reported continued mosquito nuisance during October. We have been advised by Hounslow Council that Thames Water did not contribute towards the gulley cleaning this year. Even last year when Hounslow did receive a contribution this was only forthcoming well after the end of the gully cleansing programme and would not have enabled it to continue once LBH funding had been exhausted. This was frustrating because Thames Water had agreed to contribute some four months before the gully cleaning programme started. However it would be helpful if you would try to collect samples of the mosquitoes which are affecting you because Hounslow Council are collecting samples to be tested by the University of East London who have developed a test to discriminate between Culex pipiens form pipiens and form molestus. This will enable the authorities to ascertain whether the mosquitoes affecting you are in fact the mosquitoes which are known to breed at Mogden. RgdsMogden Residents Action Group (MRAG) MRAGfor latest information on Mogden Residents Action Group go to OnLine Communities Ltd Website www.mogden.org.uk For News and Views on local community issues visit http://www.twickenham-online.co.uk/
Phil Andrews ● 7392d4 Comments