A water leak in the basement of one property has damaged the pipe work under the footway, Thames Water have attended to repair. However, this has subsequently caused a gas leak and Cadent are on site to repair. With the support of LFB and the Police they have asked that 20 households evacuate.
No support has been requested by residents for re-housing at this time, however the rest centre at Swiss Cottage leisure centre has been opened and the local authority liaison officer deployed. Currently no residents are using the centre, but it will remain open while the incident requires it.
- 20 households have been evacuated at the request of Cadent and LFB, with 6 residents now using the rest centre at Swiss Cottage. Properties affected are on Prospect Place, Holly Walk and Benham’s Place.
- Thames Water have isolated the water leak that caused the initial problem, which has required shutting of water in the area. Bottled water has been distributed to those affected. Thames Water loss adjustors are making contact with residents.
- The leak has caused sink holes under the path at the rear of Prospect Place
- This has subsequently caused a gas leak – Cadent are on site doing works to make safe and repair
- Camden’s structural engineers are on site to assess any risks caused by the sinkhole, they will be able to complete this once safe to do so
- A 25m cordon has been set up to control access to the site, with a road closure from Mount Vernon down to Prospect Place
- Once Cadent have completed their work we should have a clearer indication of timescales
Update 12 January
- The gas leak has been isolated by Cadent
- Thames Water are the lead organisation on site and have the source of the water leak under control, however the leak has caused the sinkhole and damaged access to Prospect Place to Blenham Place
- A Thames Water loss adjustor is at the Rest Centre, and Thames Water are responsible for arranging any alternative accommodation that is needed
- Residents from Holly Walk will be able to return to their home
- Residents in Blenham Place and Prospect Place are unlikely to be able to access their properties today due to the damage and will need alternative accommodation, which Thames Water is responsible for arranging
- Anyone returning home will have water and electricity, but the use of gas may not be available
- Camden Structures officers are supporting to assess any risks
- Camden LALO continues to support residents and Thames Water in the response
- The Rest Centre remains staffed and still has 6 displaced residents using the facilities, with 3 likely to need accommodation – it will remain open until alternative accommodation has been secured for affected residents
Update 13 January
All residents who are unable to access their properties in Blenhem Place and Prospect Place have been offered alternative accommodation by Thames Water or have been able to secure their own accommodation.
Thames Water remain the lead organisation for the site and they will be completing repairs to backfill the void and re-instate the footway, so safe access can be restored.
There are currently no residents at the Rest Centre at Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre and none are expected to arrive.
Therefore Camden Council has stood down its emergency response, and the Rest Centre and the LALOs currently deployed.
This incident will now move into recovery, and the Council will continue to support Thames Water and residents where appropriate.
Andrew and Gio have been liaising with Camden Council and Thamewater for updates on the situation at Prospect Place. Thameswater are now the main body responsible for dealing with the repairs and helping residents.
We understand from reports that some properties are still out of water. Thameswater is investigating. Due to the extent of the damage to the mains, this situation may last longer than expected or hoped.
Some residents are stil unable to go back into their homes in Benham Place due to the damage to the footpath. It is our unserstanding Thameswater will offer them alternative temporary accommodation.
It is feared that some properties might have structural damage. We will report back when the situation is clearer.
If there are any additional ways your local councillors can help, please let us know.
Contact your local Camden
Councillors
Cllr Gio Spinella [email protected]
Cllr Andrew Parkinson [email protected]
