I expect both SGN and Lewisham will be monitoring this site, hopefully even contributing, so can we make this a sticky admin? Comments from the community best short, sweet, factual or straightforwardly seeking factual information, such as "You said you would have finished this stretch by xxx. You haven't - can you tell us why?". Or "Why is nothing being done on this hole?"
This is a genuinely difficult and uncertain task - in an ideal world, people would know exactly what vital cables and other services there are under our roads and pavements, but no one does. So SGN cannot be sure how long this will all take. On the other hand, I'm sure some effective 'community engagement' will help keep SGN on their toes
To keep everyone informed, SGN have agreed to a maildrop to the whole of Sydenham Ward, for the first week of January, when works will apparently commence. In the meantime, here's what they were distributing at the Sydenham Assembly, Dec 4th.
[/b]From January 2009, Southern Gas Networks (SGN) will be renewing the gas mains along Sydenham Road, starting briefly east of Mayow Road before moving onto the area from Sydenham Station to 24 Sydenham Road. The work involves replacing the old metal mains with new plastic pipe, which has a lifespan of more than 80 years. SGN will carry out their work in phases in order to minimise disruption, and the high street as a whole should remain open for business throughout. At the moment, it is anticipated that the work will take 14 months in total; however, timescales may be subject to change dependent on progress made.
At the request of the Council, SGN are carrying out the gas works earlier than they had originally planned, in anticipation of Transport for London (TfL) agreeing to fund the proposed improvements to the high street.
Once work begins, local businesses will receive updates from SGN at monthly meetings. Residents will be kept informed via various channels that are likely to include the Local Assembly, the Council's and SGN's websites, notices in shop windows and local newsletters.
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At the same time as SGN's works get underway, Thames Water will be continuing their planned mains replacement works in the area, coming down Westwood Hill and Kirkdale to and through Cobbs Corner during January to March. Temporary traffic lights are likely to be needed when the works are taking place at Cobbs Corner roundabout.
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The Council cannot manage utility companies' works, so for specific queries about the activities of SGN or Thames Water when they begin, contact Gareth Lewis at SGN on 020 8858 6910 or McNicholas (Thames Water's contractor) on 020 8687 8350. Contacts for the Council's Transport Policy team are 020 8314 2020 or by email at transport@lewisham.gov.uk.
