Photo of Hornsey Road closure. Credit: Jade Lennon
By Jade Lennon
Hornsey Road has been closed in both directions due to water main work, which will last a week, ending on the 28th of February 2026. Businesses located on this road have expressed their concerns about this.
Photo of water works taking place. Credit: Jade Lennon
What is water main work?
Water main work involves the installation, repair, or replacement of large, underground pipes that are usually aged, to reduce leaks and improve water quality for homes, businesses and fire hydrants.
Why are these works happening?
According to Thames Water, “Victorian infrastructure wasn’t designed for the demands of modern day London”.
Many water pipes are being upgraded in London to create a more efficient city.
Plastic pipes will be used instead.
But why is this affecting local businesses?
Neville Stewart, owner of JussJerk located on Hornsey Road, is concerned about his business as the majority of their customers drive.
These road closures make the business harder to access.
Steward also expressed how “I understand that they need to do the work, but to close it for 13 days in a row without considering businesses and how it impacts them is disgraceful”.
Jo, a 30-year-old technician, said that “it’s after our work entrance”, therefore not affecting them drastically.
James, a technician in his mid 30s, expressed how “sometimes we get deliveries to the office”.
James’ main concern was how they’d receive deliveries, especially in “large vehicles”.
Will there be future water work in Islington?
Water work repairs will continue to happen around Islington as part of a £20 million project to upgrade “1.2 miles of ageing Victorian pipes, which supply water to around 7,000 properties each day according to Thames Water.
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