Thames Water has apologised for the length of time works are taking after grafitti appeared ridiculing the utility company.
Work currently taking place to repair sewers in Jackson's Lane, Highgate, began last October and may not finish until late April or early May.
With little visible progress, @RealLovelyJane took to Twitter with pictures she'd taken of Thames Water boards where people have vented their displeasure.
One placard thanking people for their patience has "LOL" (laugh out loud) scribbled on it and "double LOL" to words saying officers are "working".
It seems Highgate residents have had enough of the permanently closed Jacsons Lane @thameswater
— Lovelyjane (@reallovelyjane) March 1, 2023
Will @HamandHigh or @EveningStandard ask them why? @HighgateCAAC @tfl pic.twitter.com/CuwhBtkyhZ
Another has "we've scarpered" under a Thames Water logo.
She told the Ham&High that the water company "is a menace of an organisation".
"Highgate is in a state of permanent road works due to Thames Water. The water infrastructure is old and needs replacing, but instead of having a proper plan, the organisation simply patches each burst pipe," she added.
"Currently, Archway Road, a major highway, is down to a single lane controlled by traffic lights.
"I've seen two sink holes appear in the past year in Highgate due to water leaks, and I'm sure there were more.
"At one point last year there was an inspection hole with no cover on it for several weeks on Highgate Hill.
"I had to report that to Thames Water twice before it was resolved."
It is with some amusement I note the speed with which @thameswater removed the graffiti at their permanent roadworks in #Highgate. A shame they don't apply similar vigour to maintaining the derelict water system here. @HamandHigh @HighgateCAAC @highgatesociety @HillcrestN6 pic.twitter.com/AnFFOsDL8N
— Lovelyjane (@reallovelyjane) March 7, 2023
A Thames Water spokesperson said “We're sorry for the disruption residents on Jacksons Lane in Highgate have experienced whilst we have been undertaking the necessary repairs on our sewers.
“Our engineers commenced the work in October 2022, however due to the complexity of the repair more time is required to complete the works therefore the permit has been extended.
"In addition, we’ve had to take precautionary measures while we carry out the work as the sewer is located near a listed building and a retaining wall.
“We apologise for any inconvenience that the works have had and may have on the local residents whilst we undertake the necessary repairs.
"We’d like to assure residents our engineers are working quickly and safely, to minimise any disturbance in the area.
“Work on the road is expected to be completed mid-spring, which will help us provide a more resilient sewer network in the area.”
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