Works carried out on Queens Parade Close, N11
Received: 23 April 2025
I am writing to urgently request information regarding works that were carried out on Queens Parade Close, N11, specifically in the area behind 20 Queens Parade and adjacent to Hollyfield Avenue between 2nd October 2018 and 1st April 2019. It has come to light that there were excavations carried out to install or replace streetlights. I understand that Barnet Council outsources these projects to various contractors. The reason I am seeking information is due to our charity being in a prolonged dispute with the water companies regarding a damaged lead water-supply pipe, which is approximately 100 meters away from our premises and located under a council-adopted highway. I have photographic evidence of a street lighting cable sitting directly above the pipe in question (photo attached). This damage was allegedly caused by a digger, which resulted in exceptionally high bills for lost water that we have continued to pay to this day. We were advised by Castle Water and Affinity Water that we are responsible for the pipe work, and they insisted that we cover the repair costs. After years of negotiations and pressure from Councillors in Barnet, Affinity Water agreed to undertake the necessary repairs in April/May 2024. However, we have incurred significant costs due to lost water, leak detection tests, disconnection and reconnection fees, debt recovery expenses, late payment penalties, etc. We believe this situation could have been avoided had Affinity Water repaired the leak when it was first detected. We are now seeking to recoup these losses from Castle Water and Affinity Water. To support our claim, we require evidence of excavation works undertaken at the top end of Queens Parade Close where it meets Hollyfield Avenue during the specified time frame. Any documentation or records you could provide regarding the excavation activities and the companies involved would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response within five working days as advised by your customer service team