‘Supersewer’ site neighbours vent anger on Water bosses

Tuesday, 03 July 2012

By Kate Gould

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to stop a “supersewer” construction site near their homes have told Thames Water: “We don’t want you.”

They spoke out during a showdown meeting with water company bosses at City Hall on Monday evening to discuss the plans.

Thames Water has proposed a £4.1billion cross-London tunnel to stop sewage overflowing into the Thames after heavy rain.

The controversial proposal will require large-scale drilling works to be carried out at Chambers Wharf in Bermondsey.

Despite protests, the water company decided in May it would press ahead with its proposals.

In heated exchanges, people who live near the proposed site voiced their anger at the company and said they would not give up the fight to stop the plans.

Star Trek and X-Men star Sir Patrick Stewart, who lives nearby, said: “The arrogance of Thames Water is breathtaking.

“They have just not listened to us. But we will not stop fighting. The fight goes on.”

Cllr Peter John, Southwark council leader, said he would consider the possibility of a launching a judicial review.

He said: “They haven’t listened to us but our campaign against this won’t stop. We don’t want you.”

Residents have objected to Thames Water using the wharf, claiming the work will increase traffic, noise and pollution.

They want an alternative site to be found because the site is next to schools, churches and homes.

But Phil Stride, of Thames Water’s Thames Tideway Tunnels told the meeting Chambers Wharf was still the preferred option.

He said: “We have an instruction from government to proceed with the Thames Tunnel and that’s what we are doing.

“We believe this site is necessary and I don’t believe we can build this tunnel without having the site at Chambers Wharf so it is still our preferred option.”

Chairwoman of the Save the Riverside Action Group, Rita Cruise-Obrien said: “It’s a disgrace. Thames Water hasn’t listened despite the consultation showing no one wanted this. “Our campaign has received cross-party support and we will not stop until they drop this outrageous proposal.”

A second proposed site, in Crossfield Street, Deptford, has also attracted opposition from people living nearby.

Email: kate.gould@slp.co.uk

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