Camden News: West Hampstead | Gas Alliance

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Camden News - by CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS
Published: 29 January 2009

Peter Marks at Alexis bakery with letters from Gas Alliance

Business misery in the pipeline: Shops and restaurants are hit by gas works

BUSINESSES in West Hampstead and Kiburn are facing months of disruption due to underground gas repair work outside their shops.
Businesses in West End Lane have been hit after parts of the road and pavement were closed to carry out the improvements.
Traders warned they have lost up to 20 per cent in takings at a time when they are already battling with poor economic conditions.
Pipeline managers Gas Alliance began work on January 5, bringing traffic to a standstill. The project involves replacing iron gas pipes with plastic.
The operators, set up by the National Grid three years ago, confirmed they are in talks with the council to finalise dates for more work that will take place in the summer across West Hampstead and Kilburn.Peter Marks, from the Alexis Bakery in West Hampstead, which is among those affected, said: “It probably has to be done but it’s the speed of it – there’s no urgency.” He said his takings were down by 20 per cent because his customers couldn’t park or easily access his shop by foot.
Sirous Jamalfar, owner of the nearby Sirous bar and restaurant, said: “It is dead, people don’t want to come. They should bring more people in and address smaller areas, and then just open up parts of the road one after the next.
“They don’t give a damn what impact it has on residents and businesses.”
Another business, which didn’t want to be identified, said they were losing between £3,000 and £4,000 a day.
A Gas Alliance spokesman said: “The work is vital to improve local gas supplies and forms part of the National Grid’s national mains replacement programme as agreed with the Health and Safety Executive.”
The spokesman apologised for any inconvenience and pointed out the pipes should last for a minimum of 80 years. He said an independent group would be appointed to look at compensation claims.

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment: