Thames Water works will deface local gem

King Edward VII Memorial Park was created in 1910 after the Government decided that it was more fitting that King Edward VII’s life was honoured with local commemorations than grand countrywide gestures. It was thought that London was the best place in which to create a memorial to the former King.

Concerned Tower Hamlets residents and activists come together to oppose extensive works, which will last between three and a half to seven years. The Thames Water project will damage the mature vegetation and wildlife habitats beyond repair and will make the park, its amenities and the Thames Path unusable for the duration of the scheduled tunnel build.

Commenting on the campaign web site, Michele Julien said: “It’s a unique space where all communities and ages mingle and relax. It has been a perfect oasis in the East End of London to go with our toddler and take in its beauty.”

Once the works are completed, residents will be left with a concrete promontory on the foreshore and two huge buildings that will deface the beautiful riverfront, produce noise pollution, vent sewage air (untreated in case of really heavy rain) and spoil the view completely.

One of these buildings will house maintenance machinery and the other will be a 15 metre high ventilation tower. Campaigner Emma Dunsire said: “It is highly unlikely people will feel like taking their children to the playground, walk their dogs or simply take a stroll in the proximity of what is effectively a sewage plant, constantly humming away and venting air from the sewer into the park and surrounding residential area.”

At present the park is well used by the community all year round. It provides an oasis in an area where green spaces are scarce. Those opposed to the build feel it would be a shame and a scandal if Thames Water were to be allowed to get away with destroying a conservation area as there are plenty of Brownfield sites that could be used instead of ruining the best loved park in Wapping, Shadwel, Limehouse and Stepney. Terry Bennett, Headteacher of St Paul’s Whitechapel Primary School has also shared his concerns about Thames Water’s plans for King Edward VII Memorial Park and its foreshore. The Park is a valuable asset for local schools who use it regularly for activities and events.

Bennett said: “What a dreadful shame it would be if the community lost the use of this lovely park; there are already too few green spaces in this area. King Edward VII Memorial Park is almost unique with a section of Thames Pathway offering panoramic views across the river and in having appeal for young and old alike. The plan to close areas of the park for up to seven years and to build a combined sewerage overflow there is nothing short of commercial vandalism.”

The campaign group, chaired by Carl Dunsire, who is the senior project manager with years of experience in heavy engineering projects is calling on all locals and on everyone who has ever used the park to sign the petition to keep King Edward Memorial Park Green (http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41073/sign.html) and to fill out the consultation questionnaires available on Thames Water’s website (http:// www.thamestunnelconsultation.co.uk/). Cllr Alibor Choudhury, Independent for Shadwell and Cabinet Member of Tower Hamlets, who renewed his support for SaveKEMP said: “There’s no way I will accept giving up any part of King Edward Memorial Park for the Thames Water sewage tunnel. I will defend local residents and park users affected by the proposals and ensure their concerns are heard at every level of the consultation.”

Cllr Rabina Khan, Independent for Shadwell and Cabinet Member for Housing signed the petition publicly at a campaign rally last week. She said: “I support SaveKEMP and oppose Thames Water’s plans for the park and its foreshore.” Prominent community Activist and Respect Party Member Mahbub Mamum Alam has met with Carl Dunsire. He told London Bangla: “The proposed tunnel build will destroy this beautiful heritage space. It will cause disruption and chaos. In light of the opposition from residents I hope that Thames Water will reconsider their decision to build.”

All the information provided as to the duration and scope of the build of the tunnel, measurements of maintenance buildings, ventilation of untreated sewage air etc is all taken by Thames Waters own documentation provided to the campaign group by Malcolm Orford, senior project manager at Thames Water.

The campaign group are also objecting to the fact that the consultation was conducted in an unfair manner. A campaign group spokesperson said: “We do not believe that the local community was sufficiently informed, and local ethnic communities have been particularly disregarded as the material about the build was circulated in English.

“It is our understanding that translations were made available only upon request. In our view, this is unacceptable and shows a total disregard for the whole community because it is an indication that Thames Water has not bothered to consider our area at all.”

Time is of the essence and readers have until the end of today (14th January) to  register their complaints with Thames Water. After that the consultation period will be closed and it will be much harder to get Thames Water to rethink their plans. For further information visit www.savekemp.com and the Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Keep-King-Edward-Park-Green/122502901145791

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Article by Emdad Rahman