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Last Update: Friday 19th November 2004
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NEWS   By RICHARD OSLEY



Homes face water crisis this winter

THOUSANDS of homes could be left without running water under a new plan to reduce pressure running through Camden’s taps, the Town Hall has warned.
Camden leader Councillor Jane Roberts marked out clear battle lines with suppliers Thames Water at Monday’s full council meeting when she accused the company of being cavalier with residents’ water.
And she warned that taxpayers were being asked to foot the spiralling bill for years of under investment in the water network.
Problems have been predicted for families living in flats on third floors because homes low-pressure water will not reach their homes.
Residents will need new expensive pumps to connect to the supply, although those living above the seventh floor are likely to already have the required equipment.
In an address to councillors, Cllr Roberts said: “For all those living at or above the third floor and up to the seventh floor will have their water pumped. That is literally thousands of households within Camden. Their water supply will be jeopardised.”
Thames Water want to bring in the changes across London to reduce problems with aging pipes which have seen a series of leaks across Camden.
But the Town Hall has become increasingly concerned about the changes because they are facing a bill running into millions of pounds to kit out 1,700 council homes with new pumps.
Cllr Roberts said: “The cost of installing additional water pumps we estimate being anywhere between £15 and £24 million.
“No self-respecting local authority would be able to get away with acting in such a cavalier fashion. Thames Water shouldn’t either.”
Opposition councillors welcomed Camden’s tough stance, although Tory leader Councillor Piers Wauchope told the meeting that Cllr Roberts has no authority over the changes.
Lib Dem leader Flick Rea said: “Thames Water are one of the greatest villains of the piece around at the moment but if we can’t work with them at some stage then we are going to have problems.”
A Thames Water spokesman said: “We are confident that the vast majority of residents will notice no difference. Any pressure reductions are likely to be very slight, and certain areas are likely to see pressure rise, as we aim to tackle problems which have caused pressure issues in the past.”