Residents in the wider Shooters Hill area are set to face prolonged disruption, including road closures, from Monday 2 November until June 2028. The extensive programme of works by Thames Water aims to improve the neighbourhood's water mains. These works will be carried out in phases to minimise the impact on local people.
The need for these repairs is highlighted by a significant number of issues in recent years. Since 2017 alone, there have been approximately 500 bursts on Thames Water’s network of mains in the area, alongside 737 property hours of interrupted water supply. These leaks have not only caused water outages and emergency road closures but also disrupted daily commutes and school runs for residents and the wider public.
Councillor Calum O’Byrne Mulligan, Cabinet Member for Transport, Climate Change, Waste and Streets, acknowledged the frustration caused by these issues. He stated that the council has been actively pushing Thames Water for long-term solutions. "Residents have endured unacceptable disruption from leaks and water issues, and the council has been pushing Thames Water to take meaningful action at the highest level to provide long-term solutions," he said. "These crucial Thames Water repairs and replacements are something we’ve long campaigned for, so we’re pleased to see these works finally come to fruition."
Councillor O’Byrne Mulligan added, "Unfortunately, the works can’t take place safely without road closures and bus diversions across the Shooters Hill area, and we really appreciate the continued patience of residents while Thames Water complete these works. We hope the short-term pain caused by the road closures and bus diversions will be worth the long-term gain of fewer leaks and emergency works, reliable water supply and easier journeys in and around the borough."
Coordination efforts are underway between Thames Water, other utilities, and Transport for London (TfL) buses to minimise disruption and maintain vital transport links. The council is also working internally to ensure essential services, such as home care visits and waste collection, continue uninterrupted throughout the works period.
In total, Thames Water plans to replace approximately 7.3km of water mains. The company reports that similar projects in other boroughs, such as Camden, have led to a substantial decrease in leaks and bursts.
Thames Water will be responsible for winter gritting services on active work sites, while the council will continue to grit unaffected areas. Bus diversions will be communicated via signage and on TfL's website and app. Residents are advised to check travel plans using the TfL Journey Planner or the TfL Go app.
Works will be completed in phases, with residents on affected roads receiving detailed letters closer to the time. Road closures will be paused for two weeks over Christmas. A drop-in session for local residents to discuss the programme with Thames Water staff will be held at Shrewsbury House Community Centre (Bushmoor Crescent, Shooters Hill, SE18 3EG) on Wednesday 21 October from 4pm to 7pm.
