Farron puts utilities companies on the spot over Kendal disruption

2.00.15pm GMT Fri 8th Dec 2006

Local MP Tim Farron attended the annual House of Commons reception of the National Joint Utilities Group, but instead of convivial small talk over canapés Mr Farron put utilities bosses on the spot over impending chaos on Kendal's streets.

Tim Farron said

"Coming hard on the heels of road works in Kendal over the last 18 months, I was horrified to hear that National Grid were planning a year of disruption despite attempts by Cumbria County Council to get the utility company to carry out their works to a more convenient timetable. NJUG bosses promised to look into this matter and I will hold them to it."

In the meantime Mr Farron is gaining cross party support for his EDM which calls for local authorities to have more power to ensure that utility companies cause the minimum of disruption to local people and local businesses.