MP slams Thames Water over 27 year sewer blockage

3.30.26pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 21st May 2007

Vincent Cable, MP, slammed Thames Water for a longstanding failure to clear a sewer blockage which has afflicted a local resident for 27 years. Richmond Council identified pipe damage 10 years ago but Thames Water have failed to repair it (blaming residents for blocking the pipe), and problems have continued .

Vincent Cable said: "This is a dreadful case of incompetence and unwillingness to accept responsibility by the company. Thames Water haven't made many friends locally because of the longstanding Mogden pong and some localised sewer flooding. But this case is one of the worst I have encountered. I have raised the matter directly with the Chief Executive of the Company and if he doesn't respond quickly and properly, the matter goes to the water industry regulator".

In the last few days the story has acquired a new twist. Thames Water has said it will not communicate with Mr O'Toole any further. He is withholding payment of his bill in lieu of work done by Thames Water and they are threatening him over the payment. They had promised help through jet washing but on several occasions the workers haven't turned up. Vincent Cable said: "The way Mr O'Toole has been treated underlines the arrogant way Thames Water is treating one of their longstanding customers who is simply seeking a decent level of customer service".