I emailed the council on Thurs re. this and asked for updates on expected completion date and fixing the lights. Yesterday I got this email back from the Project Manager: 'Thank you for your e-mail to Gerald Gohler which was passed to me for reply. On Wednesday morning I spoke to the Planning Manager (Repair and Maintenance) at Southern Gas Networks and expressed the urgency and the need to complete these works at the earliest opportunity. The situation to date is that SGN have completed the repair to a 24" main (photograph attached) but still have a high gas reading in the excavation, indicating an additional leak or leaks. Unfortunately this will require back-filling part of the existing trench closest to the junction and extending the north end of the excavation to locate the second gas escape. I have requested updates on the situation daily and will make all parties aware of the findings. A London Borough of Southwark Network Inspector has been visiting site on a daily basis to ensure works are progressing I have also instructed SGN to re-assess the priority timings on the Portable Traffic Signals. There have been the occasions where there has been no one on site from SGN, this has been when the main or trench has required venting for health and safety reasons. We are fully aware of the disruption to the network and our obligation under the Traffic Management Act to co-ordinate works to minimise disruption. I have requested that SGN make more resources available to speed up the works and as of Thursday the 14th an additional gang has been taken from the new connections contract to assist at East Dulwich Road. Regarding the Street Works Register on the Council web site, the information is taken directly from our own internal register, which shows the correct end date, and should upload daily. This however has not happened. I have spoken to our I.T. department regarding the issue and I an expecting an answer as to why this is not happening today. As for the prioritisation for emergency works, SGN have statutory obligation to repair, retain and maintain their plant/apparatus and prioritise the works accordingly, unfortunately, due to the recent weather conditions there have been an increased amount of burst mains resulting in gas leaks and losses of supply to properties and I'm sure you would all appreciate, that losses of supply in these conditions are the higher priority works. SGN currently have 25 live emergency/urgent works in the London Borough of Southwark alone which is causing a strain on their resources?, however SGN are endeavouring to complete all works at the earliest opportunity. I have also attached a letter from SGN sent to Local Authorities detailing the problems they are experiencing. Should you require any further information or would like to call me, please do not hesitate.' I'll update if I hear anything else.
