Local Liberal Democrat campaigner Martin Kersh, writes: 

The burst water main is frankly inexcusable. Houses have suffered damage with basements flooded. Some of you have lost your electricity and have been evacuated. There is thick mud around the area. Electrical components will have to be replaced. 

Added to this devastation, Thames Water’s communication has been appalling and we are informed by contractors that they aren’t contacting residents. Do they wish to avoid a wave of insurance claims? 

The question for the community is could this all have been avoided with more checking and improved infrastructure. You deserve the right to know.

As your Liberal Democrat candidates in our next council election you have kept us informed of the impact but expressing sympathy is not enough. We are therefore asking Thames Water to set up a public meeting to tell you face to face:

1) To explain how this happened and their checks and procedures for preventing burst water mains

2) The steps that can be taken to stop this from happening again and to confirm they be taking the prevention measures needed

We have had great success nationally bringing water companies to account for their appalling records on sewage leaks into rivers and marine environments. The very same companies equally need to be brought to account for their records regarding the devastation created by poor water mains management. 

Last year London experienced three huge burst water mains in Islington, Bermondsey and Stanmore. Residents are still recovering and are out of pocket.

We’re not going to let Thames Water get away with it in Marylebone. As one resident wrote "The whole area resembles a war zone". We need action from Thames Water now. Please sign the e-petition below: