Bedford Park Gas Leak Not Repaired for Over a Year

Cadent drilling holes in pavement to avoid an explosion

No smoking signs have been placed at the junction with South Parade

July 21, 2024

Residents of Bedford Park, who have been reporting a smell of gas for over a year, were alarmed when ‘No Smoking’ signs were recently placed by the junction Newton Grove and South Parade.

Having received no update on the situation from gas utilitiy company Cadent, the signs and new plastic manhole covers have been put near what is believed to be the site of a persistent gas leak.

One resident was told by a Cadent employee at the location that the leak, which is under South Parade, was being managed by creating holes in the pavement to prevent a build up of a gas pocket under the ground which could potentially cause an explosion.

When asked why the problem had been allowed to persist for so long, the resident was told that Ealing Council had refused permission to dig up the road to allow the broken pipe to be fixed.

No assurances were given on site by Cadent staff that this wasn’t a safety hazard and the company has not responded to our request for comment. Although, there is no ongoing work at the site, Cadent vans are regularly observed in the vicinity.

Concerns are also being raised that the lighter plastic manhole covers are being knocked out of place exposing the holes and creating an additional risk.

Cadent vans are seen regularly around the location of the leak

The use of additional drilling to ensure a leak does not result in a concentrated volume of gas becoming combustible is a standard industry practice although generally as a stop gap measure. The concentration of gas in the air, despite the smell, is not believed to cause a significant risk to the health of residents.

Gas leaks have led to a number of explosions in recent year some of which have resulted in fatalities including the death of two people in Southall in 2020 when a shop underneath flats blew up.

Ealing Council has dismissed categorically that it is denying permission to complete the repair.

A spokesperson said, “We have never refused permission for Cadent to dig up the road

“Our highways team is aware of this leak and has recently spoken to Cadent Gas engineers about the repair. They told us that because this is a slow leak, it is not a priority but is on their list of outstanding work.

“The leak is being managed by venting utility chambers in the surrounding area. If the repair becomes urgent, Cadent has authority to carry out emergency works as and when required.”