WORK on improving access to Eastcote Station has dragged on because private utility firms have failed to co-ordinate on the scheme, Hillingdon Council has admitted.
The authority was responding to complaints from local residents who witnessed the council's own contractors complete their work on the redesigned entrance, only for it to be dug up again a few days later.
Transport and projects officer David Knowles wrote a letter explaining the problems. He said: "I share your frustration at the work by the utility companies, we have been working with BT to get a phone box moved - a process that seems to have taken longer and been more difficult than we would have expected.
"The water board [Thames Water] has also come in citing their inevitable 'emergency' powers, which means that the normal advanced notices that we always responsibly put in place have been overturned.
"The saving grace is that the council's own contractor is still working at the site and so collectively we can ensure that the final reinstatement by the utility company's contractor is of the highest quality."
The scheme has been financed by Transport for London at a cost of £260,000, as part of their work to improve access to London Underground stations.
At Eastcote the work includes installing a new pedestrian crossing and moving a bus stop, in response to the number of accidents in recent years that have involved pedestrians stepping out into the road.
What do you think of the work at Eastcote Station? Email jamescracknell@trinitysouth.co.uk
