The Purley Village Blog

Original Message posted 21st Dec 2009 by Anton Joseph

Have a Happy WATERLESS Christmas!!!

Thames Water Board has finally done it. In November 2008, the first problems surfaced regarding the water supply to West Purley, but Thames Water insisted that their pumps and everything else were in order. Throughout 2009 we have experienced, from time to time, loss of supply and a permanent loss of pressure.
Last Thursday(17/12), one week before Christmas and with snow on the horizon, their pump finally gave up. We are now without water at certain times of the day with no immediate prospect of a solution in sight.
It is high time that Ultility Companies such as Thames Water and their foreign owners consider their customers interests and expend money to renew the infrastructure without constantly trying to find ways and means of increasing their profits and inflating the salaries of their top Executives. Privatisation has not done the ordinary man any favours. I would define "privatisation" as "a way for a few to make as much money as possible to the detriment of the many".
It is high time that we the consumers take a stand. I would suggest that all householders affected by this breakdown withhold their Water Rates for year 2010/11. This is the only way we can have an impact and ensure our rights are respected.

Reply posted 23rd Dec 2009 by Phil

Formal Complaint ?

Anton - presumably you and your neighbours have made a formal written complaint to Thames Water ? Details of this should be on the back of your account. If Thames Water don't respond to your satisfaction, within a set time period, then you have the right to complain to the Consumer Council for Water. Details of the complaints procedure are on the CCW website.
If you still remain dissatisfied with the CCW's decision then your MP (presumably it is Richard Ottaway) can take your complaint the Parliamentary & Health Service Ombudsman.
Good luck !!