Shops fear 'going bust' as Thames pipe work hits business

A group of shopkeepers in Barnes claim takings are down an average of 50 per cent and that passing trade and footfall is decreasing on a daily basis since Thames Water began to replace ageing Victorian water pipes under four main shopping streets in January.

Kate Dyson, chairman of the White Hart Lane Traders Group, which includes a beautician, grocer, butcher and baker, said: "Shopkeepers are afraid of going bust.

"People go to alternative places to get their bread, or meat or find a restaurant. They rarely come back."

Local MP Susan Kramer said progress had been slow and resulted in traffic chaos in Mortlake, Barnes and Sheen.

"We all understand Thames has to replace the pipes but the faster the better," she said.

Workmen, now in Mortlake High Street, next week move to White Hart Lane and will be closing the road in blocks of 100 metres.

A spokesman for Thames Water said it would consider all claims for compensation.

He added: "We are dealing with some of the leakiest pipes in the area as efficiently as we can."