Villagers in Tatsfield are set to face 3 months of disruption because of Thames Water's planned maintenance works in Ship Hill. I am particularly concerned for children unable to get the bus to school and for families whose are going to be diverted into the Mayor of London's new ULEZ charge.
This afternoon I chaired a public meeting with Tatsfield Parish Council to bring Thames Water and TfL representatives to the village to hear how families are going to be affected. I renewed our pleas to delay the works to the summer holidays, but also to have a proper plan in place for alternative transport around the village and to local schools.
I'll be raising concerns over highways planning with Surrey County Council and I'll be pressing Metrobus to engage with Surrey and the Parish Council to find a solution for the 595 and 695 buses. TfL have done a good job given the circumstances and they are looking at sourcing a shuttle bus to go via Rickets Hill Road. Ultimately, villagers need works to be delayed for at least a few weeks, if not until the summer, so that proper plans can be put in place.
A huge thank you to everyone who made their way to the WI hall today to make their voices heard, and thanks to Jason, David and Simon at Tatsfield PC for all their help convening the meeting.
