Key Repair Work on Acton Water Main Delayed

---

Thames Water to tackle problem during Easter holidays

Thames Water have confirmed to Ealing Council that key repair work to the Acton water main will not be taking place until April.

The utility company have delayed the work, which was supposed to put a stop to the persistent road closures in this area, to allow a sewer survey in the Horn Lane area where there have also been problems. They do not want to commence work until this has been completed.

When the work does commence the plan is not to repair the ancient main but by-pass it with a new pipe system. The work is now scheduled for the Easter Holiday when a flood alleviation scheme is to be carried out in the area.

The likelihood is that while the work is progressing there will be further road closures and disruption may occur.

The closure of Acton High Street last month was the second within a few weeks. The previous one was the result of a burst gas main and there is increasing concern about the state of the predominantly Victorian age utilities infrastructure in the local area. Questions are also being raised about whether similar disruption will be occurring by the time the West London Tram is built. As it would be impossible to divert the tram closures would mean that there would be no public transport along this stretch of the Uxbridge Road.

February 2, 2006