Islington High Street Transforms into 'Ghost Town' After Devastating Flood
Three weeks after a catastrophic flood submerged Caledonian Road in North London, local traders are locked in a fierce battle with Thames Water for compensation, as their high street remains eerily deserted. The incident, which occurred on February 24, saw a 30-inch water pipe burst at approximately 1:30 PM, leading to ankle-deep water inundating shops within just 15 minutes. Employees frantically attempted to block doorways with towels and salvage expensive equipment, but the damage was swift and severe.
Businesses Struggle to Reopen Amid Mounting Losses
Practically all businesses on the downward slope closest to Regent's Canal are still closed, with locked shop doors displaying phone numbers for delivery workers. Inside, dehumidifiers whir away in a desperate attempt to dry out the premises. Omar Ahmed, owner of Alibaba Pound Saver, estimates his losses at £40,000 to £50,000 due to water flooding his basement, though his shop floor was spared. He emphasizes the urgent need for emergency funding, stating, "It's already been weeks, everything is taking too long. We don't just want to be promised support, we need it right now." Ahmed adds that the area has become a "ghost town," with reduced foot traffic impacting even those businesses that managed to reopen.
Compensation Scheme Sparks Controversy
Islington Council leader Una O'Halloran has issued a scathing rebuke to Thames Water over what she deems an "unfair" compensation scheme. While the company has agreed to pay all affected businesses, settlements are based on a like-for-like basis, meaning older equipment may result in lower payouts. O'Halloran argues that compensation should mirror that offered to homeowners, covering the full cost of replacement regardless of condition. Mohamed Zakaria, a tailor unable to reopen since the flood, echoes these concerns, having lost a major 17-year contract due to the disruption. He warns, "Unless we get some emergency funding we won't be able to reopen. Downstairs is completely written off."
Thames Water Responds to Criticism
A Thames Water spokesperson apologized to affected residents and businesses, asserting that they are working swiftly to resolve matters. The company has contacted all impacted businesses, offering interim payments and assigning claims handlers for regular communication. Drop-in sessions were held on March 6, attended by 25 residents and 18 businesses. Thames Water is also participating in a Recovery Co-ordination Group led by Islington Council to coordinate ongoing support. However, traders like Kenil Bamor of 2Busy2Clean, who managed to reopen after a week-long electricity shutdown, highlight the ongoing struggles, noting that many machines were destroyed by the flood.
The flood has left a lasting impact on the community, with businesses facing significant financial strain and uncertainty. As the battle for compensation continues, the future of Caledonian Road's vibrant high street hangs in the balance, underscoring the need for prompt and fair resolution from Thames Water.
