Call to resurface Bushey Cricket Club access road

In November 2020, Affinity Water gave permission for Thames Water and UK Power Network to use its access road to Bushey Cricket Club on Eastbury Road to carry out sewage and pylon repair work.

But the work left the surface scarred deep potholes and mud so bad it was hard to walk on.

Three Rivers district councillor Andrew Scarth has spent nearly two years trying to get the road resurfaced.

He said: “Thames Water contractors used heavy trucks, low loaders and fuel tankers to get access to this site.

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“The tarmacked access road was never designed to take such traffic and over many months, it was seriously damaged with masses of potholes appearing, as well as the verge along its length being subject to permanent damage.”

He explained that since then, he has campaigned for Affinity Water to fully reinstate the access road and public right of way.

Cllr Scarth added: “During its worse phase people had difficulty walking down the road because of the mud, which has now dried out.

People had difficulty walking down the road because of the mud. Picture: Andrew Scarth

“An elderly lady fell badly and injured her ankle and eyebrow.

“And people who use the road to get to the cricket club have had damage to their cars as a result of all the potholes.”

Affinity Water said the potholes have now been filled in but Cllr Scarth does not believe that this is an acceptable long-term option, and he believes the entire road should be resurfaced.

One lady injured herself when walking down the road that had potholes. Picture: Andrew Scarth

He said: “My biggest regret is that it looks like it’s done.

“Affinity Water had a quote of £30,000 to resurface the road.

“But the road was destroyed by Thames Water contractors.

“My point is that they destroyed it so they should be repaying for the repair.

“But who is going to make that decision?”

An Affinity Water spokesperson said it is sorry for the inconvenience caused.

“Work to repair the potholes was completed today.

“We are continuing to discuss with all parties involved any potential future works that may be required to the access track.”

Cll Scarth said the road was not made for heavy lorries. Picture: Andrew Scarth

A UK Power Network’s spokesperson apologised for any inconvenience caused.

The company added they were on site for a short time and have contributed to repair costs.  

Thames Water was approached for a response.

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