A group of Bermondsey residents living next to the construction site of the Thames Super Sewer say they are ‘not benefitting’ from the fund that is for those ‘directly affected’ by the major works.
Since 2016, Thames Tideway has been constructing a tunnel which is set to transform London’s Victorian sewer system – which is currently way over capacity and overflows into the Thames when it rains.
Although the plans for the tunnel were approved back in 2014, the works are severely disruptive to the local area.
Therefore, as part of the section 106 agreement between the developer and Southwark Council – the Thames Tideway Community Enhancement Fund of £1 million was agreed.
This fund, managed by the council, specifically ‘exists to provide specific measures to benefit the local community affected by the construction activities.’
When we asked Thames Tideway, they said nearly £800,000 had already been allocated to various projects.
These have included support to multiple nurseries in the area, a boiler replacement at Downside Fisher, events for local children and most recently a grant to ‘improve’ Fountain Green Square with tree planting – one side being the row of terraced houses that backs onto the construction site directly.
However, three households on the construction side of Fountain Green Square said they had not benefitted from the fund thus far – and the majority of the money has been allocated.
Maxine Charlton, the chair of the Cherry Gardens Development TRA, told us: “We bid for a community hall back in 2018 – but it never went through.”
Maxine, who is on the bidding panel, which votes on ideas to put forward for funding, explained that an architect – costing just over £17,000 – assessed the vacant building for a hall, but because it had no fire escape the plans were abandoned.
“There are other places we could have this hall – the community really needs it.”
Her neighbour, Vanessa Muyiwa and her husband Isaac, are currently in respite accommodation given that they are pensioners with health issues – paid for with a different pot of money from Thames Tideway.
But concerning the Community Enhancement Fund, Vanessa said they ‘had no idea’ where this money was going.
“We certainly have not benefitted from that fund,” she commented, adding: “That money is dividing the community – rather than bringing us together.”
Paula McDonagh also lives there. She said: “Nothing’s been spent on this actual street. I know what’s been done in the area, but I don’t think it has improved it, to be honest.”
Maxine explained that initially in Southwark, only their row of houses was being considered as being ‘directly affected’ – but as TRA lead she campaigned to get more houses on the list.
They also mentioned that they ‘had no idea’ how disruptive the work would be. Currently under construction is an electrical kiosk that is located 800mm away from their garden walls, and is higher than them.
Paula said: “My biggest fear is someone climbing over the garden fence into our gardens. Let’s be honest it’s Bermondsey – it will happen.”
“I just want to know who approved this.”
When we took their concerns to Thames Tideway – they insisted the kiosk height was detailed in the 2019 plans and communicated to residents – despite their complaints.
A Tideway spokesperson said: “Tideway is working to dramatically improve the health of the River Thames by diverting sewage pollution away from the river and into the new super sewer. The system is due to begin protecting the river for the first time later this year.
“As part of this work, many sites – including Chambers Wharf – require the construction of a kiosk structure to house electrical and control instrumentation, which is needed to operate the super sewer. The sizes and locations of these structures have been the subject of local consultation, and various factors have influenced the design, including safety and security features.
“Residents are encouraged to speak directly with us if they have any concerns about our work.”
Southwark Council was approached for comment.