Oxford Road South Water Leak Worsens
Councillors call for action on long-standing problem
Barriers over the site of the leak on Oxford Road South
January 11, 2026
Residents on Oxford Road South say they are increasingly frustrated as a major water leak, first reported on Thursday, continues to flow heavily several days later. The leak, which has yet to be repaired by Thames Water, is now exacerbating what locals describe as years of neglect on one of Chiswick’s most deteriorated residential roads.
Local councillors acknowledge that Thames Water is under significant pressure following recent heavy rainfall and freezing temperatures, which have caused widespread strain on the network. However, they say the ongoing leak is compounding long-standing concerns about the condition of Oxford Road South, where potholes, uneven surfaces and patchwork repairs have become a familiar sight.
According to council records, the road has never been fully resurfaced. One resident, who has lived on Oxford Road South for more than 25 years, told councillors she cannot recall the road ever being properly repaired. In December 2024, Councillor Gabriella Giles met with council officers and Hounslow Highways to raise residents’ concerns and was told that resurfacing would take place. Nearly a year later, residents say they are still waiting for that commitment to be honoured.
Councillors are now urging the Council to use the current leak as a catalyst to finally deliver the long-promised resurfacing and to coordinate closely with Thames Water so the road can be repaired properly in a single programme of works, rather than through repeated temporary fixes.
Cllrs Giles and Thompson visit the site of the leak with a resident
“I’ve been pushing for Oxford Road South to be properly dealt with since I was first elected in 2018,” Cllr Giles said. “For years, residents have been fobbed off because individual potholes apparently weren’t deep enough to qualify for action, even though, taken together, they make the road feel more like an obstacle course than a residential street. Residents were promised resurfacing back in December 2024 and they are still waiting. This is the moment for the Council and Thames Water to work together and finally fix this road properly.”
Cllr Peter Thompson echoed those concerns, warning that the combination of a long-running leak and a heavily potholed road now poses a safety risk. “Oxford Road South has been neglected for far too long. When you combine a long-running leak with a road full of potholes, it becomes a real safety issue, particularly for cyclists. The Council should seize this opportunity to deliver the resurfacing residents were promised, rather than kicking the can down the road yet again.”
Potholes on Oxford Road South
Councillors are calling on Hounslow Highways and Thames Water to carry out a joint inspection, agree a coordinated plan of action and commit to a full resurfacing of Oxford Road South once the leak is repaired. They say this is the only way to end years of piecemeal repairs and ensure the road is finally made safe for all users.
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