Kirkstall: Frustration as Morris Lane repair works set to last until March

By John Baron

Yorkshire Water has apologised after it was revealed work on repairing a damaged sewer on Morris Lane in Kirkstall will last an extra three months.

A burst pipe caused flooding on Morris Lane, between Abbey Walk and Hesketh Mount, on 9 October.

It was hoped at the time that work would last around ten weeks and completed before Christmas – but engineers have found the repairs more difficult due to work taking place 8.5m below ground and next to a mains electricity cable.

In a statement issued to WLD today, a Yorkshire Water spokesperson said: “We apologise for the delay in the repairs to a damaged sewer on Morris Lane, Kirkstall.

“This is a very complex repair carried out deep underground and requires additional work to ensure our teams can continue to work safely. We have worked hard to keep residents and local councillors updated and have written to residents impacted with the latest information in relation to the extension of the work. 

“We will be meeting the councillors on site regularly to provide information on progress, which can be shared with residents. We’d like to thank customers for their patience while we carry out this important repair and apologise once again for any inconvenience.”

Kirkstall Councillor Fiona Venner (Lab) took to social media to voice her concerns over the delays.

She said: “Yesterday, the Kirkstall councillors received the disappointing news from Yorkshire Water that the repair to the collapsed sewer on Morris Lane is more extensive than anticipated and the repair is not expected to be completed until March.

“We are extremely frustrated by this delay and also by the poor communication from Yorkshire Water, where staff on site and senior managers have given out conflicting information. It is only two” weeks ago that Yorkshire Water delivered a letter to a wide range of houses in the area (including my own!) stating that the work would be completed by Christmas.

“[Councillors] Andy Rontree, Hannah Bithell and I will be continuing to press for the work to be completed as quickly as possible, whilst recognising that this is a complex repair, 8.5m below ground and next to a mains cable and, of course, safety has to come first.

“We are particularly mindful of the impact of this disruption on the businesses on Morris Lane and Kirkstall Lane.

“Anyone wishing to complete a Business Loss Claims for can contact Yorkshire Water Customer Experience Team on 0344 848 1099 quoting Capital YW.205827 (lines are open Monday to Friday 8am until 5pm). This line can also be used for other queries.”

One local resident added: “Not good news at all. Feel like I spend so much time queueing in traffic because of all this. 

“It’s also really hard at times to turn right out of Vesper Lane onto Abbey Walk as cars are queuing and don’t let you go. Plus turning right onto Vesper Lane from Abbey Walk is dangerous when traffic is queuing as you can’t see traffic coming up from Abbey Road.”

And another added: “I would genuinely like to see them consider some financial compensation to local residents. It wouldn’t make up for the impact on day to day living but would be a gesture. They have clearly identified who they think are most impacted in those of us who received the letter. Perhaps they could redivert some of the bonuses planned for next year.”

Sponsored content