Harrison Galliven

Persistent water leaks on Croham Road, Muggeridge Close and Aberdeen Road in South Croydon have reportedly continued for weeks or months, leaving pavements slimy, smelly and slippery and forcing some pedestrians into the road. Residents criticised Thames Water for limited communication and delayed repairs, particularly while London remains under drought restrictions and residents are being urged to conserve water. Thames Water said there were no hygiene, environmental or public-safety concerns, that residents would not be charged for wasted water, and that repairs were being planned according to each leak’s circumstances. The company attributed increased leakage risks to prolonged dry weather, record demand and exceptionally dry ground conditions, while saying it was repairing more than 1,000 leaks a week.

Jeffrey King, a 69-year-old Balaam House resident with blood cancer and a limited life expectancy, says temperatures reaching 30–35C inside the Sutton tower block are making his final years unbearable. Residents report heat-related illnesses and criticize Sutton Housing Partnership for offering fans, water and temporary measures instead of committing to permanent cooling. They also remain concerned about conflicting reports on the block’s cladding and fire safety. Sutton Housing Partnership maintains that the building is safe, says its assessment found no remedial cladding work necessary, and promises to distribute relevant safety surveys to all residents.