Since we launched the second phase of consultation a week ago, we have been busy briefing local groups and other stakeholders to gather feedback on our revised plans for the Thames Tunnel.
On Tuesday (8 November), Phil Stride (Head of London Tideway Tunnels at Thames Water) answered questions at a public meeting organised by ‘Save King’s Stairs Gardens’. Approximately 80 people attended, including the local MP, Simon Hughes, and representatives of ‘Save Your Riverside (Chambers Wharf). The main issue of debate was why King’s Stairs Gardens, a previously preferred site for construction, remains a shortlisted site. Phil explained that to take the park off the list would be to pre-judge the latest phase of consultation – it is prudent to have a fall back option in reserve.
The next evening (Wednesday 9 November) Richard Aylard (External Affairs and Sustainability Director at Thames Water) was at the AGM of Putney Bridge Canoe Club to answer members’ questions. These focussed on the project’s amended plans for intercepting the combined sewer overflow (CSO) located directly beneath Putney Bridge. Broadly the audience was supportive of the need to get the tunnel built as soon as possible.
Yesterday (Thursday 10 November), Thames Water’s Chief Executive, Martin Baggs, gave a presentation on ‘Why London Needs the Thames Tunnel’ at the Thames Estuary Partnership’s Annual Forum, aboard a boat moored off Savoy Pier in Westminster. Delegates also heard the Water Minister, Richard Benyon MP, reaffirm the Government’s support for the proposed Thames Tunnel.
Last night Nick Tennant (Communications Manager) and Gareth Thomas (Design Engineering Manager) attended a Bermondsey Community Council meeting at St James Church to answer questions arising from a presentation by ‘Save Your Riverside’.
Coming up
On Tuesday 15 November, Thames Tunnel representatives will be at the Salvation Army Hall in Deptford for a meeting organised by locals opposed to the project’s proposed use of land in Deptford Church Street.
Our first drop-in exhibitions open at London Rowing Club (Putney) and the Creekside Centre (Deptford) on Thursday 17 November at 2pm.
