Enfield Road Closure Due to Thames Water Works
Slades Hill faces disruption until July 22nd, impacting bus services.
Trust 56Craft 95Hype 35How this was reported ▾
Trust 56: includes named sources and specific dates, but lacks quoted documents or multiple independent confirmations.
How well corroborated and evidenced the reporting is. Higher is better.
Critic 95: clearly explains impact, quotes affected resident, provides specific details and next steps.
Context, balance and separation of fact from comment. Higher is better.
Hype 35: language is moderately dramatic but matches the factual content without excessive sensationalism.
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From the archive. This story was written up on 29 July 2026 from reporting first published on 17 July 2026, which is the date shown above. We took up the back catalogue of the local titles we read when this site launched, so the events are older than the page.
Slades Hill in Enfield is currently closed between Windmill Gardens and Slades Gardens due to emergency works being carried out by Thames Water. The road is expected to remain shut until late on Wednesday, July 22nd. This closure is causing traffic diversions and impacting public transport in the area.
Impact on Transport and Public Reaction
Bus routes 121 and 307 are being diverted to avoid the affected section of Slades Hill, leading to longer journey times for passengers. Drivers attempting to navigate the area have reported issues, with some individuals trying to use pavements to bypass the closure, leading to arguments, according to Desmond Quilty, who was present when the closure began. Mr Quilty also reported that calls to Thames Water regarding traffic management were not helpful, with the available options concerning bills, leaks, and property development.
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Authorisation and Company Response
Enfield Council has confirmed that, unlike previous instances where Thames Water faced prosecution for unauthorised roadworks, these current works have been authorised as permitted emergency works. The Enfield Dispatch attempted to contact Thames Water for comment on Friday, July 17th, but the company did not provide a response.
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Questions this report answers
+Which bus routes are affected by the Slades Hill closure?
Bus routes 121 and 307 are being diverted to avoid the closed section of Slades Hill. This means passengers on these routes will face longer journey times while the road remains shut until July 22nd.
+Why is Slades Hill closed?
Slades Hill is closed due to emergency works carried out by Thames Water. The closure started on July 16th and is expected to last until late on July 22nd, affecting traffic and public transport in the area.
+Has Thames Water faced issues with these works?
Yes, Thames Water has faced criticism for its handling of the closure. Drivers reported difficulties, and some tried using pavements, leading to arguments. Calls to Thames Water were described as unhelpful, focusing only on bills, leaks, and property development.
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