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Simon Hughes MPRepresenting Southwark and Bermondsey since 1983 |
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Battle to change Thames Tunnel plans not yet over - Simon Hughes MP
May 18, 2012 8:00 PM
Reacting to Thames Water's latest response to the public's views on the plans for a London 'super sewer' Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP Simon Hughes said:
"I am disappointed that Chambers Wharf in Bermondsey remains Thames Water's preferred option to drill the proposed main Thames tunnel to Abbey Mills Pumping Station (Newham), remains the preferred eastern end of the proposed main tunnel from Kirtling Street (Wandsworth), and remains the preferred site at the end of the Greenwich connection tunnel.
"In my formal response to the Phase 2 consultation, I argued that if the route to Abbey Mills is chosen for the main tunnel then the main shaft site should logically be on the north side of the river rather than the south from the point where the main tunnel ceases to follow the river and turns north to Abbey Mills. I also believe it is difficult to justify that the main shaft construction site should be in the London Borough of Southwark when Southwark has only one combined sewer overflow (CSO). In addition, I cannot see the logic of bringing sewage back in a westerly direction from Greenwich to Southwark, only for the sewage then to be sent off in an easterly directly to Abbey Mills.
"There is a good case in principle for sites outside Southwark to be included on the list of sites for construction, and for Southwark sites to be excluded.
"I have also made clear to Thames Water that of all the plans for the main tunnel sites, Chambers Wharf is one of the most adversely affected. Compared to other main tunnel drive sites, Chambers Wharf has a large number of households and residents in the immediate vicinity, as well as three schools.
"Although I welcome Thames Water's commitment to continue to refine their proposals for Chambers Wharf to reduce impacts on the local community and environment, if these proposals go ahead local residents could still face approximately six years of construction work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
"I therefore will continue to do all I can to persuade Thames Water - even at this stage - to consider alternative sites.
"Even if Chambers Wharf is finally used, this should only be a reception site for the main tunnel. If this change was made, work on the site could be reduced to approximately three and a half years, and hours of work reduced to 8am-6pm on weekdays and 8am-1pm to Saturdays with only occasional extended hours.
"I am actively seeking to work with the newly re-elected Mayor of London to gain support and momentum for my plan to see an independent, strategic panel set up in the next few weeks to review the latest evidence and proposals. It is in the general interest to have one last independent assessment of whether this proposed 'super sewer' remains the best approach to cleaning up London's waterways, and to assess the suitability of the sites selected by Thames Water.
"I am also hoping for early meetings with OFWAT and the relevant minister to persuade them of the benefit of a final independent review - in the interests not only of people in Bermondsey and other parts of Southwark, but for all Londoners and other Thames Water customers.
Local Bermondsey Liberal Democrat councillors and I will do all we can to support local residents. We know that residents are very concerned and will continue to challenge Thames Water on their proposal."
Notes:
Simon's full response to Thames Tunnel Phase 2 consultation can be found at: http://simonhughes.org.uk/en/article/2012/560306/simon-hughes-mp-s-response-to-the-thames-tunnel-phase-2-consultation. Only local authorities and statutory consultees are referred to expressly in the latest Thames Water plans.