TRADERS have won the backing of their MP in a dispute with National Grid over a leaky gas pipe which the power company is refusing to replace.


The ageing pipe on Snakes Lane East, Woodford Green has been patched up 12 times in the last two-and-half years and shop owners say they are losing business because of the persistent disruption.


After the latest leak in May, National Grid said the pipe did not meet its criteria for permanent replacement.


But Colin Thompson, 47, who own Carpet Crazy, said: “When they dig up the road everyone loses business because customers can’t park their cars and shop entrances are blocked.


“They told me they’ve put some kind of new sealant on it this time, but we all know from experience it won’t be long before they are digging up the road again.”


Mr Thompson and his fellow traders wrote to Ilford North MP Lee Scott after the latest leak, and he is demanding National Grid replace the pipe.


Mr Scott said: “Both Keith Prince (the leader of Redbridge council) and I have spoken to National Grid about this.


“Traders say they are losing business because of the disruption these leaks cause and that is not acceptable.


“The solution seems simple enough to me – replace the pipe."


All traders on the stretch of road affected have received a letter from Mr Prince.


He said: “I am very concerned about the regularity of works by National Gas Grid.”


And he added: “I have asked the council’s traffic manager to make representations on behalf of the council at his regular liaison meetings with utility companies about the frequency of emergency works in Snakes Lane East, and to press for lasting solutions.”


Sally Reynolds, who runs the Allsorts general store on Snakes Lane East, said: “It’s great that our MP and the council are backing us over this.


“But I have my doubts over whether National Grid will take any notice.


“We have had 16 years of this and they just don’t seem bothered about the disruption it causes to everyone.


“It will go again and they’ll probably just patch it up the same as they always do.”


A spokesman for National Grid said: "We are currently looking at various options to provide a lasting solution to this situation, including replacing the gas main that runs across the front of the shops.

"However we will need to discuss these further with the council and Highways Authority."

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