It was reported yesterday that Sheen Lane is closed. Further enquiries have revealed that you can drive to the Station from either side of the crossing. Pedestrians and cycles can cross. The road was closed at the Mortlake Level Crossing by 9am on Tuesday on an emergency basis and without notice to local businesses. It is said there was a gas leak near the garage, but locals say that there is thought to have a been a leak in that area for years, so why the emergency now?

At noon today the crossing remained closed to cars, no work was going on and there was no information about a date for completion or reopening the crossing.

But why was the whole of the road closed, especially when no work has started? The technical explanation is the hole is on one side of the road and on the other side – on the pavement – there is another hole. There is a minimum width required for pedestrians – hence the whole road closure.

While EastSheenMatters was investigating discussions were observed between representatives from Cadent and UK Power Networks. The latter have identified a minor electrical problem they would like to resolve while the gas work is being done. But that requires coordination with the Council….

Let us be clear. Road closure requires a licence from the Council. But whenever ESM reports on them, the appearance is always that a licence is granted and then work continues unsupervised.

Why can’t Cadent be rather more open about its activities? Why can’t the Council properly supervise what happens with road works?

It’s all topsy turvy!