• THE news that Thames Water is flooded with debt and facing an uncertain future is deeply frustrating.

It also makes little sense. This private company has borrowed billions of pounds in recent years, yet it has also found the spare change to deliver billions in shareholder dividends.

Meanwhile residents across South Hampstead and Kilburn must put up with Thames Water’s failings on their doorstep.

Last year the devastating flood on Belsize Road – caused by a burst pipe – meant untold damage for dozens of homes and livelihoods.

Yet Thames Water failed to take concerns seriously when a leak was first reported by residents; and they were far too slow to act on the day once the pipe had burst.

Just last weekend there was yet another significant leak, this time on the junction of Finchley Road and Hilgrove Road. Despite residents and councillors raising the alarm, it took almost two days for Thames Water to visit and begin repairs.

Residents have had to put up with water pouring down their road and then the water supply being cut off altogether. You would think with such a sorry track record that Thames Water would be quick to visit the leak to prevent the problem escalating.

Following previous flooding you would also assume the firm would reach out to local councillors with useful information about next steps. On both counts Thames Water failed – again.

For far too long Thames Water has clung on to a failed business model that offers a second-rate service. As Labour councillors, we will continue to hold this ineffective company to account and urge Thames Water to provide a better-quality service to residents.

And we will use every opportunity at the town hall to scrutinise Thames Water’s operations here in Camden.

CLLR EDDIE HANSON
CLLR NANOUCHE UMEADI
CLLR LLOYD HATTON
Labour, Kilburn ward

CLLR IZZY LENGA
CLLR NINA DE AYALA PARKER
CLLR TOMMY GALE
Labour, South Hampstead ward