Traders say it's 'business as usual' during Thames Water works

Traders in Devonshire Road reported a quiet day for business but no major traffic congestion as Thames Water closed off part of the street to start its anti-flooding works today. The work is expected to last ten weeks.

There are fears that the works, which will involve Devonshire Road being closed from the junction with the High Road as far as Prince of Wales Terrace, may lead to some traffic congestion in the Glebe Estate area as traffic is diverted down Duke Road towards Glebe Street (see map below).

The local shops hope that the public will support them despite any inconvenience caused. The water company says it will finish before Easter. Pedestrian access will be maintained.

Mike Moran of Top Hat says he is worried about the extra traffic load which will be placed on the Glebe Estate and also potential problems for refuse collection in the area.

Customers wondering about access to Capital Motors can still get to the garage but they will have to drive down Duke Road, then into Glebe Street and turn left into the 'two-way' section of Devonshire Road and then left into Prince of Wales Terrace.

This map shows the section which will be closed

The traders, who have held several meetings on the issue, say Hounslow Chamber of Commerce have been both helpful and supportive in their dealings with the Council and Thames Water, and they have also been helped by councillor John Todd.

The original plan specified a twelve-week road closure but Thames Water have now promised to work seven days a week in an effort to help minimise disruption. There will be suspension of the two parking bays outside Number 10 Devonshire Road.

Thames Water say they need to install anti-flooding devices known as FLIPS. These will be housed in manhole like chambers on Devonshire Road.

A statement from Thames Water said; Thames Water is keen to ensure people in Chiswick know it’s “business as usual” in the area from next week despite the start of essential sewer works on Devonshire Road.

"The vital sewer improvement work to protect homes and businesses from the misery of sewer flooding will begin on Monday January 25 and will last for approximately three months. During this time Devonshire Road will be closed to through traffic between properties 1 and 11. A diversion will be clearly signposted and access will be maintained for residents and refuse collections. The work will not affect pedestrian access to local traders along the street who will remain open for business "

Thames Water project manager Matt Goren said: “We want everyone to know it will be business as usual for the shops on Devonshire Road, who will be trading as normal while we’re improving the sewers. This is a must-do job to protect properties from sewer flooding and we’ll be working seven days a week to get it done as quickly as we can.”

For further information about the work contact Thames Water on 0800 316 9800, select option 2 and quote reference BB968912.

January 25, 2016