Substantial work ahead for Thames Water to provide the necessary infrastructure capacity for Brent's new developments

 The main modifications to the Draft Brent Local Plan have attracted little or no publicity or comment but they are of interested and can be found HERE.

Of particularly interest to me are the impact of some of the development plans for Wembley (including KwikFit/Asda,Torch; Stadium Retail Park, McDonalds,Fountain Studios;  Premier Inn, Brook Avenue) in terms of infrastucture improvments needed for waste water and flood mitigation. The Wealdstone Brook flows through this area so some of it is susceptible to fluvial (river) flooding as well as surface water flooding.

These are some of the modifications that have been made (March 2020) regarding infrastructure and indicate a substantial amount of work to de done with Thames Water and developers, as well as the Environment Agency.

Thames Water has indicated the local water network capacity in this area may be unable to support the demand anticipated from this development. Upgrades to the wastewater network are likely to be required. Thames Water will need to be engaged at the earliest opportunity to agree a housing and infrastructure phasing plan to ensure essential infrastructure is delivered prior to the development creating identified additional capacity requirements.

 

Waste water facilities enhancement Thames Water has indicated the scale of development is likely to require upgrades to the wastewater network. Thames Water will need to be engaged at the earliest opportunity to agree a housing and infrastructure phasing plan to ensure essential infrastructure is delivered prior to the development creating identified additional capacity requirements.

 

Thames Water has indicated the local water network capacity in this area may be unable to support the demand anticipated from this development. Upgrades to the wastewater network are likely to be required. Thames Water will need to be engaged at the earliest opportunity to agree a housing and infrastructure phasing plan to ensure essentialinfrastructure is delivered prior to the development creating identified additional capacity requirements. Public sewers cross or are close to the site. The risk of damage during construction must be minimised. It must be ensured that development doesn't inhibit access for maintenance or the services in any other way

 

A critical trunk sewer runs through this site which would need to be considered.

Thames Water has indicated the local water network capacity in this area may be unable to support the demand anticipated from this development. Upgrades to the wastewater network are likely to be required. Thames Water will need to be engaged at the earliest opportunity to agree a housing and infrastructure phasing plan to ensure essential infrastructure is delivered prior to the development creating identified additional capacity requirements. Risk of damage to the trunk sewer during construction must be minimised. It must be ensured that development doesn't inhibit access for maintenance or the services in any other way. 

 

The site is located within an area which is susceptible to groundwater flooding. There are also small areas within the site which are susceptible to surface water flooding. The majority of the site is located within an area which is susceptible to sewer flooding. A flood risk assessment will need to address how development satisfactorily addresses these matters.

  

Wembley Brook and River Brent are potential sources of flooding and the majority of the site is within Flood Zone 3. Part of the site is within including extensive flood zone 3b (functional floodplain). Development, other than water compatible uses, will not be acceptable within functional floodplain. Any flood modelling from applicants which seeks to justify a revision to the functional floodplain boundary will need to be agreed by the Environment Agency.

More vulnerable uses should be restricted to areas of lowest flood risk and on upper floors. Ground floors should be designed to be resistant and resilient to flood risk. Basement dwellings will not be acceptable on the site. Development must be informed by a detail Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Strategy, reduce flood risk overall and not increase the risk of flooding on adjoining sites. Development must be consistent with the recommendations of the Brent Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Level 2.

 

 Of course there are also issues in other parts of Brent such as Stonebridge (Argenta House, Wembley Point), Neasden Stations, Growth Area, South Kilburn & Alperton).

The document below (March 2020) provides detailed assessments for Stonebridge Park/Unisys (p17) Coombe Road (p23), Watkin Road (p30), Argenta House/Wembley Point (p37), Brooke Avenue (p44), College of NW London - Wembley Campus (p51), Turpins Yard (p58), Park Avenue Garage (p64) Hereford & Exeter House (p70), Neasden Station Growth Area 1(p76), 2 (p82), 3 (p88), Neasden Lane (Press Rd) p94, Stadium Retails Park/Fountain Studios (p100) and Queensbury LSIS/Morrisons (p108)

 

A summary of all schemes is provided at the end of the report.

Click bottom right corner to enlarge:

Thames Water and Environment Agency will attend Brent's January Scrutiny Committee to answer urgent questions on the flooding threat

 

  Recording of November 10th Public Realm and Resources Scrutiny Commitee

The recent Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee heard a heart-rending story from a local resident about her experience in the recent Kilburn floods and from Brent Council officers about the authority's responsibilities regarding flooding and fluvial and surface water occurrences. 

Unfortunately the Council's main partners, the Environment Agency and Thames Water did not attend but will do so in January 2022. The officers' Report can be found HERE.

 

Ruined household items after the July floods on Westminster side of Kilburn Park Road (My London News)

The importance of hearing directly from Thames Water is highlighted by this extract from the My London News coverage of the July floods LINK:

Speaking to the subcontractors working for Thames Water attempting to lower water levels in the drains next to her property, [Aimee] asked about the chances of it happening again, to which one engineer reportedly told her: “The whole system has been compromised. Of course it will happen again.”

Aimee, who is eight months pregnant, claims an engineer employed directly by Thames Water then took the subcontractors to one side in order to speak with them alone.

The following day, she says she was visited by a Thames Water employee who 'looked more senior' and told her the subcontractors 'should not have said that'.

But, when pushed, Aimee claims the engineer couldn't say the flooding would not happen again.

Post flood 'repair' photographed recently on my visit to South Kilburn Estate

As readers will know Wembley Matters has published a number of articles recently on flooding in the area in the light of the number of increased extreme weather events as a result of climate change. I posed a question to the November 22nd Full Council on this and the question and response are below:

1. Question from Martin Francis to Councillor Krupa Sheth, Lead Member for Environment

In the light of the increased prevalence of extreme weather events as a result of climate change and recent flooding in the borough, as well as a large number of new developments and increasing numbers of paved over gardens, does Brent Council:

(1) Intend to work with partners including the Environment Agency and Thames Water to review and revise Brent Council’s

(a) Flood Risk Management Strategy
(https://www.brent.gov.uk/media/16406897/flood-risk-strategy-sept-2015.pdf)

(b) Surface Water Management Plan
(https://www.brent.gov.uk/media/3501160/W8.3%20Brent%20Surface%20Wate
r%20Management%20Plan.pdf)

(2) Advise property owners and developers on mitigation measures?

Response:

Under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, Brent Council is responsible for reducing the risk of flooding from surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses as a Local Lead Flood Authority (LLFA). To continue to meet our responsibilities we:

· Develop, maintain, regularly update and apply a local Flood Risk
Management Strategy. The overarching aim of the strategy is to enable the long-term management of flooding arising from rivers, surface water and groundwater in the borough and to communicate the risks and consequences of flooding to our residents and businesses.

· Maintain a register of flood risk management assets (structures that have an effect on flood risk management). This includes all flood risk management assets such as culverts, watercourses and holding tanks. All drainage assets, including the Council maintained and maintained by Thames Water and Environment Agency are logged on Flood Station.

· Provide overall management for highway drainage (road gullies) on designated public highway. As Highway Authority, we manage the 20,700 road gullies within the borough via a cyclical cleansing regime, and also respond reactively to any defect or blockages on the network.

· Implement small scale schemes to address localised flooding problems such as broken gullies or gully pipes, or localised gully capacity problems. Larger scale capacity problems are within the remit of Thames Water who are responsible for the main drainage system.

· Respond to planning applications - As lead local flood authority, we are a statutory consultee for major developments and in accordance with the GLA plan for Sustainable drainage we ensure that a significant betterment (i.e. improved drainage arrangements) is incorporated into new developments.

This in turn reduces the risk of surface water flooding on our public highways.

· Produce and maintaining a flood risk asset register - All of our drainage assets are located on an asset register, which includes all non-tributary watercourses, culverts and attenuation tanks.

· Issue land drainage consents on ordinary watercourses and carry out enforcement - All works undertaken non-statutory main rivers must obtain consent form the council so we are able to oversee and audit all processes to ensure sustainable measure are undertaken.

· Investigate significant local flooding events - As a lead local flood authority, we investigate all major flooding incidences and record the data.

As LLFA the council works in partnership with utility companies, Environment Agency and others in order to ensure that all appropriate measures are taken to mitigate flood risk. Plans are regularly reviewed and updated as risks and other factors change.

As a Category One Responder under the Civil Contingencies Act, the council has a responsibility to warn, inform and advise the public before during and after emergencies have occurred. We publicise warnings of severe weather and provide advice and information for residents on the council website to assist them prepare for potential severe weather events such as those that may cause flooding. The information provided also outlines what assistance the council is able to offer as well as measures that people can take to protect their own homes.

 

Big stink in Kenton as sewage flows in Wealdstone Brook

The Wealdstone Brook flows through Kenton and Wembley eventually joining the River Brent in the industrial area south of Wembley Stadium.

Residents in Kenton have complained to the Environment Agency and Thames Water about sewage contamination in the brook with the problem exacerbated by a lack of maintenance with tree cover smothering the brook shutting out light.  They describe having to shut windows to keep out the smell and the stench spoiling walks in Woodcock Park.

Thames have cited 'misconnections' which was the case with the Gaderbrook* in Fryent Country Park where misconnected plumbing from nearby houses, particularly extensions, was allowing  sewage and waste water into the brook. Residents doubt this explanation in the case of Wealdstone Brook and suggest the problem is caused by defective manholes in the area.

They are calling for Thames and the EA to address the problem with a sense of urgency, clear the current sewage and put preventative measures in place.

Unfortunately I was at the Gaderbook this morning and this too had an offensive smell.

Council tenants' fury as water bills soar after Thames Water take over billing from Brent Council

Reports are reaching me of massive increases in water bills as Thames Water takes billing over from Brent Council. Water bills used to be incorporated into rent paid to Brent Council and then passed on to Thames. Now Thames are billing each dwelling for direct payment and some residents are reporting substantial increases.

The information coming is is from is from CAMS, which is Comber Close, Ainsworth Close, Banting Close and Mackenzie House in Dollis Hill.

One tenant said they were now paying £47 a month to Thames having previously paid Brent Council £6 a week as part of their rent. Local activist Alison Hopkins said that a tenant of a 2 bedroomed flat was paying more than she did for her three bedroomed house and garden.

To add insult to injury another tenant hoping to install a water meter to reduce bills was told that one might not be possible to fit as the flats are old:

I’ve just spoken to [Thames Water], they claim it’s worked out on the chargeable value of my property (which I don’t understand what that is) and waste water charge. I asked why has it almost tripled they said if you have a view etc or a big garden then that’s how it’s worked out???They said they don’t know if a meter can be fitted here either so I’m waiting for someone from Thames Water to call me back, Sod’s law being these blocks are old etc I won’t be able to have one fitted! Then the only option is to continue with the large payments per month! I’m still waiting for my new rent charge letter to come out from Brent, I bet it won’t be any different even without the water charge.

It appears that the problem may be to do with a miscalulation of the chargeable value* of the council properties and tenants have been urged to contact Thames Water to complain and seek a review of their bills. LINK

This is what Thames say about chargeable value:

What is chargeable value?

Bills for unmetered properties, built before 1989, are based on the chargeable value of the property (also known as the rateable value).

The chargeable value was set by the Valuation Office at the Inland Revenue and represents the potential annual rent for your property. This is not related to your council tax banding.

Rateable Values were based on the size, location, access to local facilities and desirability of your property. For example, if your property had double glazing and the identical property next door didn’t your home would have been given a higher rateable value. This charge isn’t calculated from your actual water use.

We apply this value to calculate your water charges. There is one rate for water services and another for wastewater services. The rates you pay depend on where you live. You will also pay a fixed yearly charge.

You can find out more about your rateable charge in our charges leaflet.

Please let me know if your water bill has suddenly soared.

Wembley sewer collapse will mean severe traffic delays for up to two weeks

From Brent Council

Due to a sewer collapse on Wembley Park Drive near the junction with Wembley Hill Road, Thames Water are doing emergency works and four way, four phase temporary traffic lights have been set up to control traffic. Clarendon Gardens has also been closed to assist with traffic flows.

It is estimated that these works will take up to two weeks to complete and delays in the area are expected to be severe, especially during peak times. There will be clashes with events at Wembley Stadium, the boxing on Saturday and potentially Spurs v Barcelona.

FURTHER UPDATE 06.15 Burst water main affecting NW2, NW4 and NW11 water pressure and disrupting local traffic

2. 

   
   
   

   

   Pictures from London 999

   
   UPDATE 06.15 May 24 from Thames Water
   
   Water supplies have now returned to your area.
   
   We are working with TFL and have reopened one lane on the southbound carriage of Hendon Way to minimise any traffic disruption.
   
   We will update this message when there is further information to provide.
   
   UPDATE 21.00 May 23 from Thames Water
   
   Our engineers are on site and we're working to restore the water as soon as we can. Then we can begin work on repairing the broken pipe.
   
   Bottled water is currently being arranged and will be heading to the area. We'll confirm the bottled water locations once they have been confirmed.
   
   We'll provide an update on our progress as soon as we have further information.
   
   
   
   Update 18.30 from Thames Water
   
   We've arrived on Hendon Way NW4 and are currently looking into stopping the flow of water so we can carry out a repair.
   
   We'll keep this page updated with the latest information and should soon be able to let you know how long this repair will take.
    

   TfL Traffic News‏Verified account @TfLTrafficNews 1h1 hour ago
   

   A41 Hendon Way is blocked southbound at j/w Renters Avenue (by Brent Cross Jcn/ @brentcross_sc) due to a v.large Burst Water Main. Traffic is stationary on approach with Qs beyond j/w Queen's Road (by Hendon Central LU Stn), @LondonFire are on scene and @thameswater are on way.

   0 replies 5 retweets 3 likes
4. Thames Water‏Verified account @thameswater 1h1 hour ago
   
We're aware of a burst pipe on Hendon Way #NW2 causing no water/low pressure to #NW2, #NW4 and #NW11. We're on our way to investigate this now and we'll update you as soon as we have more info

Update expected by 7pm LINK

Wembley High Road works finished at last

This is how Wembley High Road looked earlier today following the completion of the Thames Water sewer works and the making good of the surface where excavation took place. At that time the diversion at Parlk Lane was still in force.

Wembley High Road sewer works to be completed by end of the week. Discussions taking place with those responsible for the concrete blockage.

Residents and businesses around Wembley High Road as well as drivers and public transport users will be relieved to hear that relief is at hand! A spokesperson for Thames Water told me today:

 Our work on Wembley High Road is due to be finished by the end of this week. We’ve traced the source of the concrete and are discussing the matter with the third party who were responsible.

Thames were not prepared to name the third party.

Confusion over end date for Wembley High Road sewer works

 Street signs say that the sewer works in Wembley High Road will continue until January 31st 2018 but this is what Brent Council posted on its website yesterday with a completion date of January 5th LINK:

The sewer works on High Road, Wembley, are progressing well and the proposed end date for these works is now 5 January 2018.

To date Thames Water have:

• Removed the traffic island
• Excavated a shaft onto the sewer over seven meters deep
• Tunnelled four meters downstream, towards Park Lane, to a point where there is no concrete in the sewer
• Tunnelled upstream, towards Wembley triangle, eight and a half meters to the lateral connection from the former Brent House site and have tunnelled over fourteen meters to a point where all concrete has been removed.
• Sink another shaft on the sewer
• Replaced the sewer

Next steps:

• Backfill the tunnels

• Backfill the shaft

• Permanent reinstatement of carriageway.

  
   Note: From the top of the 83 bus today (Thursday) it did look as if the backfill works have been completed. I have asked Thames Water for clarification.
  

Wembley High Road sewer works until the end of January?

The street signs say the end of January but this is what Brent Council posted on its website yesterday with a completion date of January 5th:

The sewer works on High Road, Wembley, are progressing well and the proposed end date for these works is now 5 January 2018.
To date Thames Water have:

• Removed the traffic island
• Excavated a shaft onto the sewer over seven meters deep
• Tunnelled four meters downstream, towards Park Lane, to a point where there is no concrete in the sewer
• Tunnelled upstream, towards Wembley triangle, eight and a half meters to the lateral connection from the former Brent House site and have tunnelled over fourteen meters to a point where all concrete has been removed.
• Sink another shaft on the sewer
• Replaced the sewer

Next steps:

• Backfill the tunnels
• Backfill the shaft
• Permanent reinstatement of carriageway.

Wembley High Road works to continue until mid-Janaury

Brent Council has confirmed that Thames Water has been given a second extension to complete their main sewer works in Wembley High Road. The new completion date is mind-January 2018.

Responding to a query about the replacement of the mature trees removed as a result of the works, the Council said that they would be replaced in Wembley Central ward but not in the High Road as there was no suitable site there.

Sewer works likely to continue into the new year

Brent Council, answering a query from a local resident, have confirmed the revised end date for the Wembley High Road sewer works as December 22nd but added that it was likely that the works would continue into the new year.

Thames Water are currently excavating another shaft over the sewer and the lateral connection to the former Brent House which should be completed by Thursday of this week. Thames Water will then need to continue to tunnel towards Wembley Triangle to a point where there is no more concrete in the sewer.

When all concrete has been been removed the backfill and reinstatement process is expected to take up to three weeks to complete.

The Council added that they are working with Thames Water to ensure these works are completed as soon as possible. They assured the resident that Thames Water is working seven days a week but as the majority of the works are underground it may look as if there is not much activity on the surface. Thames Water have been instructed to update their Variable Message Signage to reflect the new revised date.

Responding to a question about the reinstatement of the traffic island and trees formerly on the site Brent said that the island, removed for these works, will not be replaced as there have been long term plans to remove it. It has been decided to take the opportunity to remove the island at no cost to the council. The trees that had to be removed can be replaced at the expense of Thames Water who will in turn recharge whoever is repsonsible for the concrete in the sewer.

Parking restrictions on Park Lane imposed because of the works and the traffic diversion have now been extendeduntil the sewer works are completed.

Council's update on Wembley High Road sewer works

Brent Council has posted the following update on the Wembley High Road sewer works on its website. It is rather hidden away so I am republishing here(I haven't corrected their spelling of metres!):

Concrete blocking the sewer

The view downstream

View from the surface into the shaft

 

The view upstream

The sewer works on High Road, Wembley, are progressing well and the proposed end date for these works is now 22^nd December.

To date Thames Water have:

• removed the traffic Island
• excavated a shaft onto the sewer over seven meters deep.
• tunnelled four meters downstream, towards Park Lane, to a point where there is no concrete in the sewer.
• tunnelled upstream, towards Wembley triangle, eight and a half meters to the lateral connection from the former Brent House site and have tunnelled a further five and a half meters but there is still concrete in the sewer. 

Next steps:

• Sink another shaft on the sewer, this will take up to a week to complete
• Continue to tunnel upstream to a point where there is no concrete in the sewer
• Replace the sewer
• Backfill the tunnels
• Backfill the shaft
• Permanent reinstatement of carriageway.

The end date for these works cannot be confirmed until the all concrete is removed from the sewer, having spoken to Thames Water and their contractor, Cappagh, we estimate that reinstatement works will take up to three weeks to complete from the point that all concrete is removed. It is possible that High Road will remain closed in one direction until 22 December.

Thames still investigating who blocked the main sewer on Wembley High Road

A Thames Water spokesman said today regarding the sewer works on Wembley High Road:

The removal of the concrete in the sewer is more complicated than first thought, and we’ve had to extend our finish date to allow us to remove it entirely. We’re still investigating the cause of the blockage and who poured it down there, and we’ll be taking further action once we know who it is.

The spokesman confirmed that Thames have extended their permit for the sewer works on the High Road until December 22nd.

Brent Council confirm Dec 22nd extension for Wembley High Road works

Brent Council have confirmed that the Thames Water sewer works on Wembley High Road will be extended up to December 22nd. Certainly the works, which were due to be finished at the end of this week, look nowhere near completion. I understand that the concrete blockage extends further eastwards than first thought and clearing it will require further excavation.

Business on the affected closed road seeking compensation from Thames Water should follow this LINK

The final bill for the works and compensation could run into hundreds of thousands and despite their denials, Henley Homes, who are developing the  Brent House site adjacent to the sewer works, are still being suggested by locals as the most likely blockage culprit. Watch this space!

Progress report on Wembley High Road sewer works

A Thames Water spokesperson responding to my  request regarding progress on the Wembley
High Road sewer works and their investigation into the source of the concrete blockage,  today told me:

We are now halfway through clearing the blockage, and have replaced five metres of pipe which has been damaged. We expect that the rest of the blockage will take two more weeks to clear.

We are still investigating the source of the blockage and have not identified who it might be,  and will let you know when we have any details.

If it wasn't Henley, who is responsible for High Road main sewer blockage?

I am awaiting a response from Thames Water on whether their investigations to find the culprit responsible for the concrete blockage in Wembley High Road have made any progress. Henley, who are developing the Brent House site, last week denied responsibility. LINK

I understand that contractors have now dug down 6.5 metres with another metre to go before they hit the sewer. Work is expected to be completed within the month.

A resident reports that Brent Council can expect an increase in revenue with its Smart CCTV car catching motorists going the wrong way through Ecclestone Place's one way system.

Meanwhile a shopkeeper opposite the works told me that his takings were down 50% as a result of the road closure and works.

Brent Council criticised for tardy response to Wembley High Road closure

A local resident has condemned Brent Council's slow response to the closure of Wembley High Road for major sewer works. The Council had emailed to say that advance notices of the works would be put in place on November 2nd, the day on which the works would start:

There is no just putting ‘advance notice signs’ in place for tomorrow when the work will be starting then???

I just found this on Wembley Matters website:  http://wembleymatters.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/concrete-blocking-wembley-high-roads.html   Seems that they knew about this problem on 25th October which would have given Brent Council ample time to get signs and notices placed in all prominent sites before now.

You have clearly not notified residents in the roads off Ealing Road do you seriously not think this will affect us at all – we need to get to work and get children to school too!!! 

  If people cannot get to Wembley Park station they will all be crowding into Wembley Central station – our trains are already hugely busy. 

The roads off Ealing Road are already hugely affected by the traffic grid lock which occurs in Ealing Road on a daily basis, morning and evening, due to traffic trying to get out of Ealing Road into Wembley High Road, this closure is going to have a huge further impact on roads like Chaplin Road and Lyon Park Avenue which are already used as rat runs when Ealing Road is blocked!!!

It will also have a huge impact on buses and therefore commuters trying to get to Wembley Park station to get to work – also 223 and 483 trying to get to Northwick Park Hospital – how many people will miss their hospital appointments?

What about when the football matches are being held at Wembley Stadium during this time – various Spurs matches and two England games.

There should be huge high profile posters at bus-stops and stations and at other prominent places in Wembley Central and Alperton as well as other locations where pedestrians can see them.

And it should be mandatory for bus drivers to warn people of the diversions throughout the journeys while these works are taking place – elderly people might not be aware of the diversions and would struggle to walk back to where they are meant to be going – what about late at night when you are trying to get home and suddenly find the bus is on diversion?

Please note not everyone is constantly monitoring the Brent Council website for news.

Once again Brent Council fail to engage with local residents properly.

The Council responded:

The provision of traffic management arrangements is the responsibility of the utility company. At the time of the blog referred to in your email, dates for the work had yet to be confirmed and so it would not have been possible for the utility contractor to manufacture and erect signing.  

 [You have been informed] of the steps taken to inform the public of the work and that all bus drivers have been informed of the diversion routes. It is inevitably that with works of this nature major disruption will be experienced. The work is essential and cannot be left to a later date to enable further planning and publicity. We will endeavour to encourage the utility contractor to work as quickly as possible to minimise the disruption and I thank you for your patience in this matter. 

The resident fired back:

Sorry but this doesn’t really address the issues raised in my e-mails.

You have the hugely busy bus routes 18, 83, 92, 182, 223, 224 and 483 plus all the other road traffic, including huge delivery lorries and construction lorries, on diversion in an already hugely congested area and yet you can only get road signs in place after the road has been closed when Wembley Matters website shows that the dates of the road closures were known about for sure as early as 28th October?: http://wembleymatters.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/avoid-wembley-during-november-deep.html

Why have Brent Council only contacted residents in a small area when this is likely to have a massive impact on all residents in Wembley?  

Are Brent Council going to take to ensure signage detailing full information re the bus diversions are put in place at all bus stops on all affected bus routes and at all trains stations on those routes too – who is going to ensure that all bus drivers actually announce information about the diversions on the buses – don’t just say it is down to TFL to do this, please insist that they do this.

To re-iterate Brent Council have a duty of care to make sure that council tax-paying residents are fully informed about road closures like this and they should be making sure that Transport for London keep fare paying passengers and drivers fully informed too.

Brent Council responded:

You will appreciate the sudden and emergency nature of these works has meant a more comprehensive communications programme along the lines you suggest is simply not practicable.

My colleagues accept and have acknowledged the disruption these necessary work will cause.

Our role now is to monitor the works and their impact and to push for a speedy completion.

This did not satisfy the resident who replied this morning:

Neither on the way home last night and nor this morning did I see a warning sign in place at the “Ealing Road junction with Chaplin Road” – can you advise when this will be put in place and confirm all the other signs have now been put in place too.

If these are “emergency” works there must be a way of getting signage in place quicker???  Even some temporary laminated signs attached to metal road signs would have helped – please consider how you can do this quicker in future.

Can you confirm that you will be ensuring that TFL add signs/posters detailing full information re the bus diversions at all bus stops on all affected bus routes and at all trains stations on those routes too – and also ensure that all bus drivers actually announce information about the diversions on the buses – as requested before don’t just say it is down to TFL to do this, please ensure that they do this.  

To re-iterate (again) Brent Council have a duty of care to make sure that council tax-paying residents are fully informed about road closures like this and they should be making sure that Transport for London keep fare paying passengers and drivers fully informed too.

Bus diversions on Wembley High Road starting tomorrow

Transport for London has kindly supplied me with the following information as a result of closure of Wembley High Road between Wembley Triangle and Park Lane due to major works by Thames Water:

The bus diversion for the closure starting tomorrow are:

Routes 18, N18 towards Euston or Trafalgar Square From High Road (Park Lane), left Park Lane, right Wembley Hill Road, left Harrow Road, line of route.

Routes 83, 92, 182, 223 or N83 towards Golders Green, St Raphael's, Brent Cross or Harrow From High Road (Park Lane), left Park Lane, right Wembley Hill Road, left Empire Way, line of route.

Route 224 to Wembley Stadium From High Road (Park Lane), left Park Lane, right Wembley Hill Road, line of route for stand. (Alight Passengers on Stand)

Route 483 towards Harrow From High Road (Park Lane), left Park Lane, left Wembley Hill Road, line of route.

Concrete blocking Wembley High Road's main sewer will add to residents' woes

Wembley Central residents, already suffering from  dust and air pollution as a result of building works in the High Road are now faced with works on the main sewer that runs beneath the busy road.

Thames Water confirmed today that there is concrete in the sewer ands they are having to use tankers to pump out the sewage which would normally flow through the blocked pipe.

A spokesperson for Thames Water said, 'We are investigating the source of the concrete and hope to start work to remove if from the sewer next week. Sadly this is an all too common problem that we face.'

The works are likely to cause more chaos with Wembley Stadium having a full programme of events over the next few weeks.