Tollgate Gardens: Water Burst Update

We've now received a further response from Thames Water on the water burst in Oxford Road on 18 September.

Here it is in full:

(1) Why the main is repeatedly collapsing in the same area?
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the integrity of our Trunk Mains. This24" cast iron main has burst twice in the last two years. The bursts have been in fairly close proximity to each other. Whilst the main is fairly old, it has been visually examined and still seems to be in good conditionfor its age. We are currently testing the broken section of main removed from site and this should give us a better view of the "failure mode". Until these tests are completed it is difficult to comment on why it hashad two failures.

(2) What is being done to ensure that residents are not disturbed bythis problem in the future?
Firstly, we have a full contingency plan in place for any burst on this main. The contingency ensures a speedy response from Thames Water to minimise any damage or disruption. The plan was used for this event and the main was isolated, repaired and back in service within 15 hours.Secondly, we are investing in technology to help us identify bursts before they occur. This technology looks for small leaks that may turn into larger leaks/ bursts. These smaller leaks are then repaired before they cause a burst.

Not the fullest or most satisfactory answer we've ever seen, but it's a start. We'll keep working to get answers.

Alastair