Vineyard Incompetence: how the story broke

4.29.55pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 23rd Apr 2008

Paul Zukowskyj, Parliamentary Candidate for Welwyn Hatfield, with Nigel Quinton, surveying the construction of the surprise pumping station. Residents were not asked for their opinions.

In October last residents in The Vineyard and Vine Close were warned that work would start on pipe laying in order to upgrade the water network.

This was completed in December and it appeared the work was finished.

In the New Year more holes were dug and a path was laid in an illegal location resulting in graffiti being painted on a resident's house. Three Valleys have admitted this was wrong and are taking steps to make good the damage.

After enquiring what the new work was for it eventually was admitted that a pumping station was to be built. Ward councillors were contacted and some discussion appears to have taken place with Three Valleys. The next communication from Three Valleys was a letter warning that works needed to be conducted through the night to complete operations and on the night of 4th February this indeed happened. This letter still did not refer to a pumping station, and most residents were unaware there was anything more than pipe-laying involved.

Subsequent letters between residents and Three Valleys, and a meeting on 13th February involving the ward councillors resulted in Three Valleys saying that:

• The land had been purchased from the council and the council were aware of its purpose

• Three Valleys were not subject to any planning process

• A pumping station measuring 4m x 3m x 2.5m was to be constructed on the site

The work was now too advanced for any alternative to be considered, despite residents pointing out that such alternatives did exist very nearby

It would appear from what I have been told that Three Valleys has acted without any thought of the impact of their actions on the local community, and with no regard for the damage to the green spaces of the community. It is possible that the council are also at fault but that depends on what information they were given by Three Valleys. If the communication with residents is any guide this may not have been very extensive.