Yesterday I met with representatives from SGN following several complaints from residents since they started their programme of works this year to replace and repair gas pipes across much of Purley & Woodcote.
I was very clear in my disappointment with SGN, including:
- A failure to provide sufficient notice to Council officers, ward councillors and more importantly local residents and resident associations
- Leaving mess/debris/equipment behind at several locations, including Manor Way, Manor Wood Road and Hartley Down following works and then not responding to complaints
- Not providing a good enough process for reporting matters
- Putting piping and a large box over a resident’s property without their consent creating an eyesore (fortunately resolved)
- Leaving a compound next to the Spinney on Copse Hill, despite works there finishing months ago!
Whilst I appreciate that some works are of an emergency nature and that the upgrades to the piping are essential, I do think SGN could have handled this programme in a much better way and worked harder to engage with our community, and be responsive to complaints.
Our meeting was constructive and SGN were very sympathetic to my feedback. They also confirmed to me that the compound on Copse Hill will be removed by Wednesday.
They assured me that I will have a point of contact following any future programme of works and have agreed to meet with me months in advance before the next phase of works to discuss any issues/advanced concerns I and residents may have. They’ve also alerted me to their safe and warm teams to target more vulnerable residents and be more visible in the community, as well as the work they are doing with the Council, Thames Water and others to ensure that works are all done in a consistent order.
