Following SAGLUV’s senior level meeting with Thames Water’s Waste Water Operations Director, and Lanes’ (contractors) Senior Field Operations manager, that we reported on a few weeks ago, a further meeting was held on 24 July at Regional Field Operations level to go through the detailed work plans for the relining and manhole sealing project starting in Eastbury, followed by East Garston and Great Shefford. We were told that the work would be carried out by specialist contractors, OnSite, commencing at the end of July to be completed by end of August/early September.
As it seems that the area hasn’t exactly been overrun with engineers with shovels, pipes and assorted equipment, we followed up progress with TW last week.
We are told that the work has started and is on track to finish within the predicted timescale. Apparently, much of the work done so far has not always been on main thoroughfares in the public eye, hence the lack of visible progress. However, there are some road closures planned shortly (if they haven’t already happened) near the Eastbury Plough and the site of the old Village Hall, where more obvious work will be completed. Here is an extract from the update email we received from Thames Water with the detail:
“I can confirm OnSite have completed 28 individual liners (short lengths), no major set ups required, most in private gardens or tucked away off the main road. The team have feedback that they’ve been speaking to local residents and answered any questions. The work they have completed has only required small vans and remote equipment, so I believe this is why you are reporting no one is seeing them as there may be an expectation of big set ups and disruption which they are trying to keep to a minimum.
There are 3 long length liners outstanding and 17 manholes left to seal, the lengths left require a road closure and Onsite are awaiting highways to approve the road closures, within the road closure 5 manholes will also be sealed, but the remaining 12 will be done next week”
As TW cannot directly supervise all the work, they have to rely on the contractors sticking to their agreed work plans, and with the many jobs being undertaken in a limited window of opportunity when groundwater levels allow, it is understandable that it is difficult for TW to keep everyone abreast of what is happening on a daily basis. However, it is frustrating to be left wondering! We believe that the Eastbury work is underway, and we have now been told that the remaining work will be carried out in all three villages at the same time. An OnSite team has been seen in East Garston, but evidence is anecdotal rather than definitive.
Rest assured, we will keep the pressure on to ensure, as best we can, that the work will be completed as per the schedule. We are also looking at ways to improve the communication chain, without taking up the time of the Field Operations people.
One thing that would help us to keep their feet to the fire, is feedback from you, the residents. We would welcome any reported sightings of OnSite or TW activity in your area, so if you could let your local SAGLUV representative know, that would be much appreciated.
We will issue a further update early in September, hopefully, with good news!
Martyn Wright (Chair)
SAGLUV
18 August 2024
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