Traders tell of long battle with Thames Water for compensation after flooding in Herne Hill

Burst main: The future of the Half Moon pub is uncertain after the flooding
Rex

Traders in a London shopping street devastated by flooding today revealed they were still battling Thames Water for compensation two years on.

Dozens of businesses and homes were hit by 5ft-deep floods when an 88-year-old main burst in Half Moon Lane, Herne Hill in August 2013.

Three businesses closed — a tapas restaurant, a children’s clothes shop and organic beauty salon — while a bakery shut for the summer. The future of the Half Moon pub, which was also forced to close and is now being looked after by property guardians, is unclear.

Adam Shipley, owner of Café Provencal for 20 years, was under-insured for the level of damage and claims Thames Water has refused to make up the shortfall.

He said: “At 5am, the whole mains pipe exploded and within two or three minutes Half Moon Lane was under water. Thames Water admitted it was their problem, they said don’t worry, everyone will be sorted out, even people who were under-insured. My customers have been really wonderful and supportive, and I’m busy even for August, but even though business is good, for every £1 I take I owe £3.

Adam Shipley, owner of Café Provencal
Alex Lentati

“Thames Water have refused to make up the difference and won’t give us any form of compensation.” Mr Shipley has launched an online appeal via the Crowdfunder site in the hope of raising £30,000 to help his business stay open.

Lucy Reynolds, town centre champion for the Herne Hill Forum community group, said: “The flood was caused by Thames Water... and yet it is local businesses who continue to suffer and close.”

Thames Water said more than £3.6 million was paid, including 58 claims by local firms. The utility, which also gave £100,000 to promote business in Herne Hill, said in a statement: “We are happy to review all cases and assist in any way we can to ensure all outstanding claims are resolved as quickly as possible.”

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