Fears cherished 'green oasis' will be lost as part of anti-flood proposals

People living near the square on Barons Court Road are concerned with Thames Water's Counters Creek plans

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07:26, 29 MAY 2015
Updated10:34, 29 MAY 2015

Thames Water plans to counter flooding would result in small green square being destroyed, say campaigners

A group of neighbours are taking up the fight to protect a small pocket of greenery in West Kensington.

People living in Barons Court Road are fighting proposals by Thames Water to rip up the small square beside the Bhavan Hindu centre as part of its Counters Creek plans to tackle rain water flooding.

They say the space is a conservation area which is home to two mature trees and is well-used by people who wish to escape busy London living.

Thames Water, which is currently in the process of holding drop-in centres in area so people can see their construction plans, said it was keen to hear from people so it can select the best sites.

Leading the objections is Kate Jakobsson, who lives in Barons Court Road. She said: “This is a small oasis with two beautiful old trees.

"In the summer people sit there, enjoy the sunshine and eat their lunch away from the hustle and bustle of North End Road and Talgarth Road (A4)."

Thames Water plans to counter flooding would result in small green square being destroyed, say local campaigners

“But it could be knocked down and replaced with a sewage chimney and square box," she added. "In my opinion that would be criminal to take down such beautiful trees, it would be so sad not to have them there any more.

“My neighbours all feel the same, the plans sadden all of the residents in the square. We have been writing letters to Thames Water to get our views across.”

The Counters Creek scheme is designed to alleviate flooding caused from rain water, a problem Ms Jakobsson acknowledges is an issue. But she says Thames Water should look at a brownfield site nearby on Gwendwr Road for the work, rather Barons Court Road.

She said: “There is a lot of flooding when it rains in the area, work needs to be done for a better sewage system, but there is an alternative site which is better suited.

“It should be at Gwendwr Road because it’s already a brown site. If they destroy this square it will be destroyed forever, that’s the sad thing."

Larry Culhane, ward councillor for North End, echoed Ms Jakobsson's views. He said: "We are against the plans, they are not tolerable in any shape or form.

"We will be making submissions to Thames Water saying so, and setting up a group to get residents together to oppose the plans."

A Thames Water spokesman said: “In this first stage of consultation we need to look at all the possible sites and fully understand local views. Then we’ll be able to select the best sites to take forward to the next stage of designing the project.

“Right now we’re keen to hear from as many people as possible and would encourage them to respond to the consultation form on the website or visit one of our local drop-in sessions.”

A public consultation for the Counters Creek sewer was held at the end of 2014, with the water company currently seeking comments on several new and alternative sites to add to the feedback it already has.

Extra drop-in sessions for residents to find out more about the new proposed construction sites and register their feedback have been added by Thames Water.

They started on May 12 and will continue on the following dates: