Two Apologies. One Water Company. Zero sense.

You'd think, having badly run over on finishing its works in Shirland Road, that Thames Water might have done the decent thing and apologise properly. But that really would be too easy.

As Councillors, we demanded that Thames send a letter to residents apologising (i) for a delay in finishing and (ii) for ignoring the end of parking suspensions (and hoping no-one would notice).

Thames first attempt (click on the picture above) was a masterpiece of bland, corporate evasion which sought to blame the weather (sounds familiar). Utter rubbish. A few hours of melting snow does not extend works for a week. Despite this, Thames refused Westminster's request to reword the letter and delivered it to residents earlier this week without our consent.

This clearly wasn't acceptable, and we haven't been backwards in letting Thames know this. In the end we extracted a further apology from a member of Thames's communications unit (apparently one does exist).

So, residents of Shirland Road: Thames Water apologises for their apology letter. It's just too bad that they can't do it right first time round. Or - here's creative thinking - not need to say sorry in the first place.

Next time, we are assured, this won't happen. We won't hold our breath.

Lee

PS Please do get in touch if Thames are causing you hassle. We'll be very glad to help.