Puddle Will Persist For A Few Months Pending Investigations
TfL spokesperson says they support Council plans for extra gully
Commuters and residents will continue to have the threat of soggy shoes and splash back from passing cars following rain when passing Putney Station for a few more months.
Tfl have told us, "The ponding is occurring on a section of highway that is the responsibility of the London Borough of Wandsworth. The team at Wandsworth, led by Steve Kempster, are working closely with my team to resolve the issue".
images: James Dixon
Leon Daniels,
Managing Director Surface Transport at TfL continued, "Currently the team at Wandsworth are investigating the possibility of installing an additional gully which drains into either the TfL or Thames Water drainage system and we are working in support of that. While our investigations are taking place, I have asked that our contractors investigate what impact this additional gully would have on our drainage network and we expect the outcome of this investigation within the next four weeks. I have also asked that the investigation confirms our drainage system is operating as intended.
Mr Daniels added, "
Subject to the intervention required, Wandsworth expect the work to be undertaken and completed over the coming months".
Local MP Justine Greening said: “I have been in touch with TfL and Thames Water to be clear just how many difficulties this huge puddle is causing local residents and to urge them to do what they can to sort this problem out. It's very important that the work is now completed as quickly as possible.”
Safety issues were raised by one local mother who told this website that she had to push her toddler in the buggy through the traffic when the lights are red rather than push through the water at the crossing. Her concern was that cyclists and motorbikes weave through the traffic and are not expecting pedestrians away from the designated crossing.
The Thamesfield councillors told this website last week, "That this was a complex repair job which involved liaison with TFL, Network Rail etc to get to the root of the problem and repair it." With the warning that the:" The blockage is deep down in the system and will require serious excavation and lane closure to fix it".
April 22, 2016